6.Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing hole, Figure 8.

7.Put the blade retainer and nut on the output shaft. Make sure that the blade is installed correctly.

8.Tighten nut counterclockwise against the blade while holding the locking rod:

•If using a torque wrench and an 5/8 inch socket tighten to:

37 - 38 N•m; 325 - 335 in•lb; 27 - 28 ft.•lb.

•Without a torque wrench, use a 5/8 inch closed-end or socket wrench, turning the nut until the blade retainer is snug against the shaft bushing. Make sure that the blade is installed correctly, then rotate the nut an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn counterclockwise, Figure 13.

1/4-1/2 turn

Counterclockwise

FIGURE 13

9. Remove the locking rod from the locking rod slot.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury or damage to the unit, do not start or operate this unit with the locking rod in the locking rod slot.

WARNING: Do not sharpen the cutting blade. Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip to break off while in use. This can result in severe personal injury. Replace the blade.

REMOVING THE CUTTING BLADE AND INSTALLING THE CUTTING HEAD

Remove the Cutting Blade

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, always wear gloves while handling or installing the blade.

1.Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing hole, Figure 8.

2.Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to the boom of the unit, Figure 14.

3.While holding the locking rod, loosen the nut on the blade by turning it clockwise with a 5/8 inch closed-end or socket wrench, Figure 14.

Clockwise

FIGURE 14

4.Remove the nut, blade retainer, and blade. Store the nut and blade together for future use in a secure place. Store out of reach of children.

Install the Cutting Head

5.Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot and insert the locking rod into the shaft bushing hole, Figure 8. Place the blade retainer on the output shaft with the flat surface against the output shaft bushing as shown in Figure 15. Screw the cutting head counterclockwise onto the output shaft. Tighten securely.

Cutting Head

Blade Retainer

Output Shaft Bushing

Locking Rod

FIGURE 15

NOTE: The blade retainer must be installed on the output shaft in the position shown for the cutting head to work correctly.

6.Remove the locking rod.

7.Install the cutting head guard. See Removing and Installing Cutting Head Guard instructions.

WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury, the cutting head guard MUST be in place at all times while operating the unit as a grass trimmer.

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