3.CHECK ADJUSTMENTÐSlowly pull mower backward while control bar is gradually moved toward handle. Adjustment is correct when rear wheels stop turning and control bar is about one inch from handle (Fig. 21).
Inspecting, Removing,
Sharpening Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass blades like a dull blade.
1.Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to stop. Pull wire off spark plug.
2.Drain gasoline from fuel tank; refer to DRAINING GASOLINE section.
3.Tip mower on its right side. Avoid rotating blade as starting problems may result.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•Engine could be started accidentally.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•Accidental starting of engine could cause serious injury to operator or bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•Do not attempt to inspect, remove or replace blade without first removing the spark plug wire from spark plug and fastening it away from accidental contact with spark plug.
4.INSPECTING BLADEÐCarefully examine blade for sharpness and wear, especially where flat and curved parts meet (Fig. 23A). Since sand and abrasive material can wear away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of the blade, check blade before using the mower. If a slot or wear is noticed, (Fig. 23B & C), replace blade. Refer to step 5.
Note: For best performance, install new blade before cutting season begins. During the year, file down small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•A worn or damaged blade could break and a piece of blade could be thrown into operator's or bystander's area.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•A thrown piece of blade could cause serious personal injury or death to operator or bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•Inspect blade periodically for wear or damage.
•Replace a worn or damaged blade.
5.REMOVING BLADEÐGrasp end of blade using a rag or thickly padded glove. Remove blade bolt, lock washer, accelerator, and blade (Fig. 22).
6.SHARPENING BLADEÐUsing a file, sharpen top side of blade and maintain original cutting angle (Fig. 24). The blade will remain balanced if same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.
IMPORTANT: Check balance of blade by putting it on a blade balancer. An inexpensive balancer can be purchased at a hardware store. A balanced blade stays in a horizontal position and an unbalanced blade settles to the heavy side. If blade is not balanced, file more metal off cutting edge on heavy end of blade.
7.Reinstall sharp, balanced blade, accelerator, lock washer, and blade bolt. Sail part of blade must point toward top of mower housing to assure correct installation. Tighten blade bolt to
50 ft±lbs (68 Nm).
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