SECTION 8: SERVICING THE MOWER
WARNING: Always stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire before performing any maintenance work or adjustments on your lawn mower.
Blade Care
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 foreign 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 16.
•Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
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.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury.
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.
Installing the Blade
•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 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, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 16
Drive Belt Replacement
•Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against the engine.
•Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
•Place shift lever in the first position and tip the mower on its side with air filter facing up.
•Remove the center bolt which secures the blade to the crankshaft followed by blade bell support, blade, and blade adapter.
•Move the cutting height adjustment to the highest position.
•Remove the three hex screws holding the baffle to the deck and pivot baffle towards the rear of the mower. See Figure 17.
Baffle
Figure 17
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