Notch
Lower Handle
Figure 10
•Remove the hairpin clips from the weld pins on the handle brackets. Press out on the legs of the lower handle. Remove lower han- dle from the mower.
•Turn the lower handle around so the notch on the bottom of the lower handle is facing forward as shown in Figure 10. Reassemble, placing the bottom holes in the handle over the weld pins in the handle mounting bracket.
•Reassemble the upper handle to the lower handle.
•Place the hairpin clips in the inner holes in the weld pins and attach the starter rope and rope guide as instructed in the
LUBRICATION
CAUTION: DISCONNECT SPARK PLUG WIRE BEFORE SERVICING
WHEELS - Lubricate the ball bearings in each wheel at least once a season with a light oil.
ENGINE - Follow engine manual for lubrica- tion instructions.
BLADE CONTROL - Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle and the brake cable at least once a season with light oil. The blade control must operate freely in both directions.
MAINTENANCE
CUTTING BLADE
WARNING: Be sure to disconnect and ground the spark plug wire and remove ignition key before working on the cutting blade to prevent acci- dental engine starting. Protect hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blades.
Tip mower as specified in separate engine manual. If it is not specified tip with carbure- tor up.
Remove the bolt and blade support which holds the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. Remove the blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Re- place when necessary.
For best results your blade should be sharp. The blade may be resharpened by removing it and either grinding or filing the cutting edge keeping as close to the original bevel as possible. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. Improper blade balance will result in exces- sive vibration causing eventual damage to the engine and mower. Be sure to carefully balance blade after sharpening. The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
Before reassembling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. Refer to figure 11. Place the blade with the side marked bottom (or with part number) facing away from the adapter. Align the blade bell support over the blade with the tabs in the holes of the blade and insert the hex bolt. Tighten the hex bolt to the torque listed below:
Blade
Adapter
Blade
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Figure 11
Blade Mounting Torque
Center Bolt 450 in. lb. min., 600 in.lb. max.
To insure safe operation of your unit, ALL nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.
11
