! | WARNING | ! |
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or service with engine and blade running. STOP engine and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure away from spark plug. Engine and components are HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.
Mower Blade Replacement
Standard Blade Wear Limit
1.Inspect the blade (Figure 15) frequently for signs of excessive wear or damage:
(A)New blade
(B)Wear limit (notch starts)
(C)Dangerous condition! Do not use on the mower! Replace with a new blade.
A |
B |
C |
Figure 15: Mower blade wear limits
! | WARNING | ! |
DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of excessive wear or damage. Refer to the Section entitled “MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT” for proper blade inspection and service procedures.
Blade Sharpening
1.Disconnect the spark plug wire and secure the end away from the plug.
2.Tilt the mower up on its rear wheels. Do not tilt the mower with the spark plug or carburetor down.
Important: Drain the fuel tank before tipping the mower. DO NOT tip the machine with the carburetor or spark plug down. Oil from the crankcase will saturate the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter will have to be replaced.
3. Remove the blade (B, Figure 16).
Make sure that blade hub is seated between flanges
A |
C |
B |
D |
E |
Figure 16: Removing the mower blade
4.Sharpen the blade on a grinding wheel at an angle of 22 to 28 degrees (B, Figure 17). DO NOT sharpen the blade beyond the original cutting edge (A).
5.Check blade for balance. If necessary, correct balance by grinding heavy end of blade.
6.Reinstall blade (B, Figure 16). Note the correct assembly order:
(A)Blade hub
(B)Blade
(C)Blade flange (facing up)
(D)Cone washer (concave side up)
(E)Capscrew
7.Check torque of blade retaining cap screw. Recommended torque should be 40 ft. lbs.
Do not sharpen beyond original cutting edge
B
End view of blade assembly
A
Figure 17: Sharpening the mower blade
Maintenance
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