28

SHARPENING METAL BLADES

Three styles of metal blades are approved for use on the ECHO Brush Cutter. The 8-tooth blade can be sharpened during normal maintenance. The clearing blade and 80 tooth blade require professional service.

Before sharpening, CLOSELY inspect blade for cracks (look at the bottom of each tooth and the center mounting hole closely), missing teeth and bending. If ANY of these problems are discovered, replace the blade.

When sharpening a blade, always remove the same amount of materials from each tooth to maintain balance. A blade that is not balanced will cause unsafe handling due to vibration and can result in blade failure.

8-tooth Blade

Tool required: Flat file (preferred), electric grinder if special care is used, round (rat tail) file for gullet (radius).

1.File each tooth at a 30 degree angle a specific number of times, eg. 4 strokes per tooth. Work your way around the blade until all teeth are sharp.

2.DO NOT file the 'gullet' (radius) of the tooth with the flat file. The radius must remain. A sharp corner will lead to a crack and blade failure.

IMPORTANT

If an electric grinder is used, use care not to overheat teeth, do not allow tips/tooth to glow red or turn blue. DO NOT place blade in cooling water. This will change the temper of the blade and could result in blade failure.

3.After sharpening teeth, check each tooth radius for evidence of a square (sharp) corner. Use the round (rat tail) file to renew the radius.