Exmark Lawn Mower manual Removing the Blades, Sharpening the Blades

Maintenance

Figure 39

1. Blades front to rear 3. Measure here

2.Outside cutting edges

2.Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.

3.Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at the same position as in step 1. The difference between the dimensions obtained in steps 1 and 3 must not exceed 1/8 inch (3 mm). If this dimension exceeds 1/8 inch (3 mm), the blade is bent and must be replaced. Refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

(Figure 40). Refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

3.Once the blade has been removed, inspect the spring disc washer. If the washer appears to be damaged (the washer surface has been marred) or flattened, the bolt and washer assembly must be replaced.

Removing the Blades

The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is out of balance, or the blade is bent. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Exmark replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in an unsafe machine.

Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove (or place a wrench on the top sheave nut). Remove the blade bolt and washer assembly, washer, and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 40).

WARNING

A blade that is bent or damaged could break apart and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.

•Always replace bent or damaged blade with a new blade.

•Never file or create sharp notches in the edges or surfaces of blade.

Figure 40

1.Blade

2.Washer

3.Bolt and washer assembly. Apply lubricant to threads—torque to 32-42 ft-lb (43-57 N-m).

Checking for Loose Blades or Damaged Spring Disc Washers

1.Place a wrench on the blade bolt and torque to 32-42 ft lb (43-57 N-m).

2.With the wrench still on the blade bolt, hold the blade spindle stationary and using a rag or thickly padded glove, try to rotate the blade. If the blade rotates relative to the spindle guard without further tightening the blade bolt, the spring disc washer has been flattened or damaged and the bolt and washer assembly must be replaced

Sharpening the Blades

1.Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 41). Maintain the original angle. The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

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