Resharpening
pattern
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below).
It is easier to get a straight cutting edge following the resharpening pattern show above.
Original edge
Figure |
Warped Blade (Replace) |
Cutting |
plane |
Warped Blade (Replace) |
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades |
Figure |
Cutting edge
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| Twisted Blade Edge | |
Cutting | Plane | (replace) | |
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| Cutting edge | |
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Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing twisted and straightened blades
Figure
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new belt, or one in good condition, should never run against the bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the case, otherwise belt will lose power and slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or damage the fibers of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a very short time.
Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep them sharp, a dull blade 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 heat- ing, 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 grind- ing mower blades.
General engine maintenance
Detailed instructions and recommendations for
Belts
Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability. Replace a belt that shows signs of severe cuts, tears, separation, weather checking and cracking, or burns caused by slipping. Slight raveling of belt covering does not indicate failure, trim ravelings with a sharp knife.
WARNING: If the pump belt fails, loss of control will occur especially when operating on a slope. If you lose steering con- trol while operating the machine, place the steering control levers in the park brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and involve your Hustler dealer to resolve the problem before continuing to operate.
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place steer- ing control levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and discon- nect 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!
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 balanc- ing 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.
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