will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
WARNING: Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating, or weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may break and cause serious injury. Replace worn or damaged blades.
DANGER: Never work with blades while engine is running or deck clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place steering control levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when you must work under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always
check for blade damage if mower strikes rock, branch or other foreign object during mowing!
WARNING: Always wear adequate eye protection when grinding mower blades.
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place steering control levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when you must work under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for blade damage if mower strikes rock, branch or other foreign object during mowing!
Resharpening |
pattern |
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below). It is |
easier to get a straight cutting edge following |
the resharpening pattern shown above. |
Original edge |
Fig. |
Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw holding the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath. NOTE: A blade holding tool (part number 381442) is available from Hustler Turf Equipment. It is designed to prevent the blades from rotating when they are being removed or installed on the spindle. Contact your Hustler dealer for more information.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown (Fig.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on an inverted line punch or 5/8" bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt. Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion (Fig.
Do not
IMPORTANT: The blade sail (curved part) must be point- ing upward toward the inside of the deck to ensure proper cut- ting.
IMPORTANT: When mounting blades, rotate them after installation to ensure blade tips do not touch each other or sides of the mower.
WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt may result in the loss of the blade which can cause serious injury.
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
Warped Blade (Replace) |
Cutting |
plane |
Straight Blade |
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades |
Fig. |
Cutting edge
Twisted Blade Edge
(replace)
Cutting Plane | Cutting edge |
Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing twisted and straightened blades
Fig.
601396_0109 |
