Blade Removal and Sharpening
m!ml
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Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.
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Disconnect the spark plug cap to prevent accidental start-up.
1. Turn the fuel valve OFF, and drain the carburetor (see p. 24).
2. Tilt the mower so the carburetor side is up.
Remove the blade bolts to remove the blade.
NOTE: Never tilt the mower so the carburetor side is down, or hard start-
ing will result.
3. Sharpen the blade cutting edges with a.file. File the top side only. Main-
tain the original bevel for a fine cutting edge. File both ends evenly to
maintain blade balance.
4. After sharpening, test the blade’s balance using a screwdriver as
shown. If either side dips slightly below horizontal, file that side.
Replace the blade if it dips excessively.
CAUTION
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Blade balance is critical to proper mower performance. Replace any
blade that is damaged or out of balance.
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Use only a genuine HONDA replacement blade or equivalant.
5. Clean away any dirt and grass from around the blade shaft.
6. Install the blade and tighten the blade bolts to the specified torque.
Torque: 5.0-6.0 kg-m (36.2-43.4 ft lb)
NOTE: As viewed from’below, the blade turns counterclockwise; install
the blade so its cutting edges face this direction of rotation.
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