Cutting Blade Removal, Replacement, and Sharpening
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 freign 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 13.
•Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 13
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. Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
•Be sure to install the blade with the end tips facing up or side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.
•Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
•Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
•Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned with small holes in the blade.
•Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque.
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