LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when per- forming any maintenance.
IMPORTANT: Blade bolt is heat treated. If bolt needs replacing, replace only with approved bolt shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual.
TIRES
•Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber.
•Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage.
DRIVE WHEELS
Check rear drive wheels each time before you mow to be sure they move freely.
The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc.are in the drive wheel area and must be cleaned to free drive wheels. If necessary to clean the drive wheels, be sure to clean both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE
For best results, blade must be kept sharp. Replace a bent or damaged blade. 
CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is haz- ardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty.
TO REMOVE BLADE
1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug.
2.Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air fi lter and carburetor are up.
3.Use a wood block between blade and
mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth.
4.Remove blade bolt by turning counter- clockwise.
5.Remove blade & attaching hardware (bolt, lock washer & hardened washer).
TO REPLACE BLADE
Blade adapter | Key | Crankshaft |
|
| keyway |
Lockwasher |
|
|
Blade |
|
|
Blade |
|
|
bolt Hardened |
|
|
washer | Trailing edge | Crankshaft |
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp-
ening the blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to mower or engine.
•The blade can be sharpened with a fi le or on a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
•To check blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall. Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed. Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail. If blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
•The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must be dry when used.
•Check your grass catcher often for dam- age or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replac- ing, replace only with approved replace- ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering.
1.Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
2.Be sure the trailing edge of blade (oppo- site sharp edge) is up toward engine.
3.Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
4.Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the
blade bolt, turning clockwise.
•The recommended tightening torque is
GEAR CASE
•To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash
•The gear case is fi lled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case.
•If lubricant is required, use only Elf Mul- tis EP00. Do not substitute.
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