5. PRE-OPERATION CHECK
Check the following items before starting
BLADE
Turn the fuel valve OFF, and tilt the
mower to the left, so the carburetor
side is up.
NOTE: Hard starting and fuel leakage
may result if the mower is tilted with
the carburetor side down.
Inspect the blade for wear and
damage
k
NORMAL EXCESSIVELY BENT CRACKED
WORN
A dull blade can be sharpened, but a blade that is worn out, bent, cracked,
or otherwise damaged must be replaced. A worn or damaged blade could break
causing pieces of the blade to be thrown from the mower.
A worn or damaged blade can cause serious injury. Always
inspect the blade before using the mower.
When the blade needs sharpening or replacement, take the lawn mower to
an authorized Honda lawn mower dealer. Or, if you have a torque wrench, you
can remove and install the blade yourself (see page 42).
l
Blade sharpening: To avoid weakening the blade, or causing imbalance or
poor cutting, the blade should be sharpened by an authorized Honda lawn
mower dealer.
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Blade replacement: Use a genuine Honda replacement blade or its equivalent.
Use a low-lift blade (p. 10) for mulching. Use a high-lift blade (p. 10) for side-
discharge mowing or bagging.
Check that the blade nuts are tight. Use a wooden block to prevent the blade
from turning when tightening the nuts. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.
Blade nut torque: 36.2-43.4 ft-lb (5.0-6.0 kg-m).
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