Lawn Mower, Tires, Drive Wheels, Blade Care

MAINTENANCE

LAWN MOWER

Always observe safety rules when performing any main- tenance.

TIRES

•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi- cals which can harm rubber.

•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.

DRIVE WHEELS

Check rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels.

If necessary to clean the drive wheels, check both rear wheels.

BLADE CARE

For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade.

CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.

TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 13)

1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.

2.Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air ﬁlter and carburetor are up.

3.Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.

NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.

4.Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise.

5.Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer and hardened washer).

6.Remove debris shield.

NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.

TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 13)

1.Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned; and that the drive belt is inside the tab of the belt retainer.

2.Install debris shield.

3.Position blade on the blade adapter.

IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON BLADE ADAPTER.

4.Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine.

5.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.

6.Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.

•The recommended tightening torque is 35–40 ft. lbs.

IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS HEAT TREATED. IF BOLT NEEDS REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITHAPPROVED BOLT.

		CRANK-
	BELT RE-	SHAFT
	BELT RE-	KEYWAY
	TAINER	KEYWAY
	TAINER
	BLADE
	ADAPTER	KEY
		KEY
	DEBRIS	TRAILING
	DEBRIS	EDGE
	SHIELD	EDGE
		HARDENED
	BLADE	WASHER
	BLADE
		LOCK WASHER
		BLADE BOLT

FIG. 13

TO SHARPEN BLADE (See Fig. 14)

NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.

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

•To check blade balance, you will need a 5/8" diameter steel bolt, pin, or a cone balancer. (When using a cone balancer, follow the instructions supplied with balancer.)

NOTE: Do not use a nail for balancing blade. The lobes of the center hole may appear to be centered, but are not.

•Slide blade on to an unthreaded portion of the steel bolt or pin and hold the bolt or pin parallel with the ground. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.

CENTER HOLE

5/8" BOLT OR PIN

BLADE

FIG. 14