SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Always stop engine and disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance work on lawn mower.
To remove blade:
•Remove the bolt and blade bell support which hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 11. Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Lubrication
Blade Control
•Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. See Figure 10. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.
Wheels
•Lubricate the wheel bearings (if so equipped) at least once a season with light oil (or engine oil). Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and the inner surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure 10.
Engine
•Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
Lubricate
Lubricate Bearings
Figure 10
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire before performing any repairs or maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty fuel tank and keep engine spark plug side up.
Cutting Blade
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.
•When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may damage the mower and/or cause personal injury.
•The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade always be removed from the adapter for the best test of balance.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 11
•Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil (or engine oil).Also lubricate the bolt holes and bolts.
To Reinstall Blade:
•Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
•Make sure the blade is aligned with and seated onto the blade adapter flanges.
•Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with the small holes in the blade. See Figure 11.
•Replace hex bolt. Tighten to recommended torque. Blade Torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
•To ensure safe operation of mower, check all nuts and bolts periodically for correct torque.
11