Bolens Model 588Q manual Maintaining Your Lawn Mower, Blade Care, Cleaning Mower, Lubrication

Page 12

Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.

Rear Discharge

Door

 

Handle

 

Bracket

 

 

d

 

o

 

R

 

e

r

i

 

W

 

 

Handle

 

Bracket

 

Rear Flap

Figure 14

Blade Care

WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.

Removing the Blade

Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.

Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.

Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 15.

Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.

Blade

Adapter

Blade Bell

Support

Hex Bolt

Figure 15

Sharpening the Blade

The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the blade while it is still on the mower.

Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make sure that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.

Balancing the Blade

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 when testing for balance.

WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury.

SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER

WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.

Cleaning Mower

The underside of the mower deck should be cleaned after each use to prevent any build-up of grass clippings, leaves, dirt, or other debris.

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of pressure washers or garden hose to clean your unit. These may cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

Disconnect spark plug wire. Drain the gasoline from the lawn mower, or place a piece of plastic under the gas cap.

Tip the mower so that it rests on the housing. Keep the side with the air cleaner facing up. Hold the mower firmly.

WARNING: Never tip the mower more than 90 degrees in any directions and do not leave the mower tipped for any length of time.

Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water.

Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. Remove plastic from around gas cap, if any.

Lubrication

Blade Control Handle

Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.

12

Image 12
Contents Operator’s Manual MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OhioTable of Contents Important Safe Operation Practices General OperationService Slope OperationChildren Do NotGeneral Service Your ResponsibilitySlope Gauge Before Assembly Setting Up Your Lawn MowerAssembling Your Lawn Mower Removing Unit From CartonAttaching Rear Wheels Attaching Starter RopeAssembling Grass Catcher Attaching Grass Catcher To MowerCutting Height Adjustment Levers Know Your Lawn MowerBlade Control Handle Recoil StarterOperating Your Lawn Mower Service & Adjustments Cleaning Mower Maintaining Your Lawn MowerBlade Care LubricationTroubleshooting Engine CareOff-Season Storage WheelsParts List Model 588Q Model 588Q MANUFACTURER’S Limited Warranty for