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 cause damage to the mower and could break, causing 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.
Before reassembling 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). Lubricating the bolt holes, bolts and inner surface of the nuts is also recommended.
Blade
Adaptor
Blade
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 15
Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. Refer to Figure 15. Place the blade with the side marked bottom (or with part number) facing away from the adapter. Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed in the “Blade Mounting Torque” section below.
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your unit, all nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
DECK
The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent a buildup of grass clippings, leaves, dirt or other matter. If this debris is allowed to accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may cause an uneven discharge of grass clippings at the next cutting.
The deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug wire is disconnected).
ENGINE
Refer to the separate engine manual for engine maintenance instructions.
Maintain engine oil as instructed in the separate engine manual packed with your unit. Read and follow instructions carefully.
Service air cleaner every 25 hours under normal conditions. Clean every few hours under extremely dusty conditions. Poor engine performance and flooding usually indicates that the air cleaner should be serviced. To service the air cleaner, refer to the separate engine manual packed with your unit.
The spark plug should be cleaned and the gap reset once a season. Spark plug replacement is recommended at the start of each mowing season; check engine manual for correct plug type and gap specifications.
Clean the engine regularly with a cloth or brush. Keep the cooling system (blower housing area) clean to permit proper air circulation which is essential to engine performance and life. Be certain to remove all grass, dirt and combustible debris from muffler area.
SECTION 12: OFF-SEASON STORAGE
The following steps should be taken to prepare lawn mower for storage.
1.Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
2.Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
3.Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
4.Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
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