Operating instructions
MAINTENANCE
INSPECT BLADE
WARNING: Before you inspect or remove the blade,
disconnect the wire to the spark plug. Ifthe blade hits
A n object, stop the engine. Check the unit for dam-
age. The blade has sharp edges. When you hold the
blade, use gloves or cloth material to protect your
hands.
Ifyou keep the blade sharp and inspect the blade for damage, the
blade will cut better and be more safe to operate. Frequently check
the blade for excessive wear, cracks, or other damage. Frequently
check the nut that holds the blade. Keep the nut tight. If the blade
hitsan object, stopthe engine. Disconnect the wire totha sparkplug.
See ifthe blade is bent or damaged. Check the blade adapter for
damage. Before you operate the unit, replace damaged parts with
original equipment pads. See the authorized service center inyour
area. Every three years, have an authorized service person inspect
the blade or replace the old blade with an original equipment pad.
9. Tighten the nut that holds the blade to a torque of 35 foot
pounds (47,5 N- m).
10. Install the mower housing. See "How To Install The Mower
Housing".
I I
(Outsiderimmustbe
againsttheblade.) _ Figure17
HOW TO REMOVE AND INSTALL THE BLADE
1. Remove the mower housing. See the instructions on "How To
Remove The Mower Housing".
2. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from rotating.
3. Remove the nut that holds the blade (Figure 16).
Hi-Lift
Edge Up
Mandrel
Blade
Belleville Washer
Nut Figure 16
4. Check the blade and the blade adapter according to the in-
structions for =inspect Blade". Replace a badly worn or dam-
aged blade with an original equipment blade. See an
authorized service center in your area.
5. Clean the top and bottom ofthe mower housing. Remove allthe
grass and debris.
6. Mount the blade and blade adapter on the mandrel
(Figure 16).
7. Mount the blade so that the hi- lift edges are up. If the blade
is upside down, the blade will not cut correctly and can cause
an accident.
8. Fasten the blade withthe originalwashers and nut. Make sure
the outside rim of the Belleville washer is against the blade
(Figure 17),
A ARNING: Always keep the nut tight that holds the
blade. A loose nut or blade can cause an accident.
HOW TO SHARPEN THE BLADE
WARNING: Vibration can be caused If the blade is
A ot correctly balanced or it the blade is damaged. A
blade that is damaged with cracks can break and
cause an accident.
Keep ash arp edg• on th• blade. Ablade that is not sharp willcause
the tips of the grass to become brown.
1. Sharpen the blade two times a year or every 25 hours.
2. Remove the blade according to the instructionsin=How To Re-
move And Install The Blade*.
3. Clean the blade with a brush, soap and water. Check the
blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other damage. Replace a
badly worn or damaged blade with an original equipment blade.
See an authorized service center in your area.
4. Sharpen the blade with a file (Figure 18). Make sure you keep
the original bevel angle.
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a screwdriver and hold
the blade parallel to the ground (Figure 18). A blade that is
balanced will stay parallel to the grou rid. If the blade isnot bal-
anced, the heavy end will rotate toward the ground. Sharpen
the heavy end untilthe blade is balanced.
6. A new blade willcut better than a badly worn blade. Everythree
years, have an authorized service person inspect the blade or
replace the old blade with an original equipment blade.
7. Assemble the blade according to the instructions =How To Re-
move And Install The Blade".
Blade
Screwdriver
I Bladeis balanced
I whenpetale to the ground.I
m
Ground
File
Figure 18
F-98893 22