11
SECTION 7: MAINTAINING YOUR LAWN MOWER
WARNING: Always stop engine and
disconnect spark plug wire before cleaning,
lubricating or doing any kind of maintenance
work on lawn mower.

Lubrication

Blade Control
• Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control
handle and the brake cable at least once a season
with light oil. See Figure 11. The blade control must
operate freely in both directions.
Wheels
• Lubricate the wheel bearings (if so equipped) at
least once a season with light oil (or engine oil).
Also, if the wheels are removed for any reason,
lubricate the surface of the pivot arm axle and the
inner surface of the wheel with light oil. See Figure
11.
Engine
• Follow engine manual for lubrication instructions.
Figure 11
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and
ground the spark plug wire before performing
any repairs or maintenance.
NOTE: When tipping the unit, empty fuel tank and
keep engine spark plug side up.

Cutting Blade

WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp
the cutting blade.
To remove blade:
• Remove the bolt and blade bell support which hold
the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft.
See Figure 12. Remove the blade and the adapter
from the crankshaft.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade
adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a
foreign object. Replace when necessary.
• When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An
unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration
when rotating at high speeds, may damage the
mower and/or cause personal injury.
• The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly. It is recommended that
the blade always be removed from the adapter for
the best test of balance.
Figure 12
• Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter
to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the
inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil (or
engine oil).Also lubricate the bolt hole and bolt.
To Reinstall Blade:
• Be sure to install the blade with the side of the
blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) facing
the ground when the mower is in the operating
position.
• Make sure the blade is aligned with and seated
onto the blade adapter flanges.
• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the
notches on the blade bell support are aligned with
the small holes in the blade. See Figure 12.
• Replace hex bolt. Tighten to recommended torque.
Blade Torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
• To ensure safe operation of mower, check all nuts
and bolts periodically for correct torque.
Lubricate
Lubricate Bearings
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell Support
Adapter