Blade Care
WARNING: When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag
to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
1.Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.
2.Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft, Figure
3.Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft, Figure
4.Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal injury.
5.Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges.
6.Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.
7.Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.
Blade Adapter
Blade
Blade Bell Support 
Bolt
Figure 5-3: Remove the bolt, support, and adapter to access the blade.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.
•Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
•Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
•Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
•Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be taken to
5
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Mower
WARNING
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotat- ing at high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing per- sonal injury.
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