SERVICE POSITION
Put unit into service position for easy access to underneath the deck.
CAUTION: Avoid fuel spills. Follow steps below to help prevent fuel spills. If fuel leaks into air cleaner, replace air cleaner. ALWAYS clean up any spilled fuel.
1.Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop and hot parts to cool.
2.Place unit on a flat, level surface.
3.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
4.Remove fuel cap, place a piece of plastic bag over the opening and tighten cap securely.
5.Tip unit onto left side, opposite the discharge opening.
Make sure unit is secure and will not tip over.
IMPORTANT: After service is complete and unit is upright, remove plastic from fuel cap and connect spark plug wire to spark plug.
CHECK MOWER BLADE
Check blade mounting: blade must be secure and bolt torqued to 187 – 253
343 N•m). Bolt should fully compress lock washer.
Check blade for nicks and dull cutting edges. Sharpen if necessary.
Check blade for rounded or broken ends, thinned metal or other damage. Replace if necessary.
CAUTION: Mower blades are sharp and can cut you. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
Remove Mower Blade
1.Place mower in the Service Position. See SERVICE POSITION on page 20.
2.Block blade to prevent rotation.
3.Remove lock nut, flat washer and blade from shaft.
Install Mower Blade
NOTE: Ensure blade air lift points upward. See Figure 20.
1.Replace blade, flat washer and lock nut on shaft.
2.Torque lock nut to 187 – 253
3.Connect spark plug wire to spark plug.
Sharpening Mower Blades
CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen mower blades while on unit. An imbalanced mower blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to unit. Check mower blade balance before reinstalling blades.
NEVER weld or straighten bent blades.
CAUTION: Mower blades are sharp and can cut you. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.
1.Remove mower blade from unit. See Remove Mower Blade on page 20.
Discard mower blade if:
•More than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is removed. See Figure 20.
•Air lifts become eroded.
•Blade is bent or broken.
2.Sharpen mower blade by removing an equal amount of material from each end of mower blade. Blade should be sharpened back at an angle from the center to the outside tip. DO NOT change vertical angle of cutting edge or round corner of mower blade. See Figure 20.
GB - 20