Manual

Maintenance(Continued)

WARNING

DONOTattempt any adjustments, maintenance,service or

repairs with the engine running. STOPengine. STOP blade.

Engageparking brake. Remove key. Remove spark plug

wire from spark plug and secureaway from plug. Engine

and components are HOT.Avoid serious burns, allow all

parts to cool before working on machine. Fuel Filler Cap

and vent must be closed securelyto prevent fuel spillage.

MowerBladeReplacement

Blade Wear Limits

1. Inspect the bladefrequently for signs of excessivewear

or damage (Figure 42):

(A) New blade;

(B) Wear limit (notch starts);

Replacewith new blade.

4. Removethe bolts (B, Figure43), washers (C) and nuts

(D) securing the mower blade (A) to the spindle.

5. Inspect the condition of the blade(Figure 42).

6. If the blade is in good condition, sharpenat 22 to 28

degrees (B, Figure44). DONOTsharpen beyondexist-

ing cutting edge (A).

7. Check blade balanceafter sharpening. If necessary,cor-

rect blade balance by grinding the heavyend of the

blade.

8. Reinstall the blade.Torquethe blade mounting bolts to

the recommended rangeof 30 to 40 ft. Ibs.

Figure 42: Mower blade wearlimits

WARNING

Wear heavy leather gloves when handling or working

around cutting blades. Bladesare extremely sharp and can

causesevere injury. DO NOTuse a cutting bladethat shows

signs of excessive wear or damage.

Figure 43. Removing themower blade

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BladeSharpening

1. Follow the WARNINGstatementfound on this page.

2. Checkthe fuel level in the tank. If over 3/4 full, remove

the tank. Referto the section entitled "REMOVINGFUEL

TANK".If 3/4 or less, proceed to the next step.

3. Carefullystand the Rear EngineRider on its rear

bumper.

Figure 44. Sharpening the mower blade