User Guide

Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw
holding the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as
shown (Fig. 4-15). Touch-up sharpening can be done with
a file.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A
commercial balancing tool is available through most
hardware supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing
the blade on an inverted line punch or 5/8" bolt. Blade
should not lean or tilt. Spin the blade slowly, blade should
not wobble. If blade is out of balance, true it up before
reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Fig. 4-16 and 4-17). Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
undercut threads. Torque bolts on spindles without blade
saddles to 118 foot-pounds when reinstalling blades.
WARNING: When mounting blades, rotate
them after installation to ensure blade tips do not
touch each other or sides of the mower.
WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt
may result in the loss of the blade which can
cause serious injury.
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can
cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use
extra caution when servicing them.
Warped Blade (Replace)
Straight Blade
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades
Cutting
Plane
Figure 4-16
Figure 4-17
Twisted Blade Edge
(Replace)
Cutting Edge
Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing
twisted and straighten blades.
Cutting Plane
Cutting Edge
4-9
397463 1/20/05