MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Always stop unit and dis- connect spark plug wire (or disconnect pow- erhead from power source) before performing maintenance.
CHECK FOR DAMAGED OR WORN PARTS
Contact an authorized service dealer for re- placement of damaged or worn parts.
SBlade Shield
CHECK FOR LOOSE
FASTENERS AND PARTS
SBlade nut S Fasteners
INSPECT AND CLEAN UNIT AND DECALS
S After each use, inspect complete unit for loose or damaged parts. Clean the unit and decals using a damp cloth with a mild deter- gent.
SWipe off unit with a clean dry cloth.
BLADE MAINTENANCE
WARNING: The blade will continue to spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released. To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug (or disconnect powerhead from power source) before performing work on the blade.
WARNING: Always replace a blade that is bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Never attempt to straighten and reuse a damaged blade. Use only specified replacement blade. Wear pro- tective gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to help avoid injury.
SThe blade is reversible. When the cutting edge on one side becomes worn, turn the blade over (see BLADE REPLACEMENT in the SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS section).
SCheck blade for flatness periodically. Lay the blade on a flat surface to inspect for flat- ness. Throw away a blade that is not flat.
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
BLADE REPLACEMENT
WARNING: The blade will continue to spin after the engine stops or after the throttle trigger has been released. To avoid serious injury, make sure the blade has stopped coasting and disconnect the spark plug (or disconnect powerhead from power source) before performing work on the blade.
WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling or performing maintenance on the blade to avoid injury. The blade is sharp and can cut you even when it is not moving.
1.To remove the blade, align hole in the dust cup with the hole in the side of the gearbox by rotating the blade.
2.Insert a small screwdriver into aligned holes. This will keep the shaft from turning while loosening the blade nut.
Screwdriver
3.While holding the screwdriver in position, remove blade nut by turning clockwise.
4.Remove both washers, and the blade from the blade shaft.
Blade shield
Blade 
Washers
Blade | Blade nut |
Shaft |
5.Install new blade onto blade shaft.
6.Reinstall both washers and blade nut (counterclockwise).
7.Tighten blade nut firmly with a wrench while holding screwdriver in position.
8.Remove the screwdriver.
9.Turn blade by hand. If the blade binds against the shield, or appears to be un- even, the blade is not centered, and you must reinstall.
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