Service
7
Blade Care
WARNING:
When removing
the cutting
blade for
sharpening
or replacement,
protect
your hands with
a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the
blade.
Periodically
inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially
if you
strike a foreign
object.
Replace when necessary. Follow the steps
below for blade service.
1.
Disconnect
spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower
on its side making
sure that the air filter and the carburetor
are facing up.
2.
Remove the bolt and the blade bell support
which
hold the
blade and the blade adapter
to the engine crankshaft.
See
Fig. 7-1.
_. ...................
BladeBell
Support
Figure 7-1
3.
Remove blade and adapter
from the crankshaft.
See Fig.
7-1.
4.
Remove blade from the adapter
for testing
balance.
Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver
to check.
Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
When sharpening
the blade, follow the original
angle of
grind. Grind each cutting
edge equally
to keep the blade
balanced.
_il
WARNING:
An unbalanced
blade will cause
excessive vibration
when rotating
at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower and could break
causing personal
injury.
5.
Lubricate
the engine
crankshaft
and the inner surface
of the blade adapter with
light oil. Slide the blade
adapter (and wave washer, if applicable)
onto the engine
crankshaft.
Place the blade on the adapter
such that the
side of the blade marked "Bottom"
(or with part number)
faces the ground when the mower is in the operating
position.
Make sure that the blade is aligned
and seated on
the blade adapter flanges.
See Fig. 7-1 inset.
6.
Place blade bell support
on the blade. Align notches
on the
blade bell support
with small holes in blade.
7.
Replace hex bolt and tighten
hex bolt to torque: 450 in. Ibs.
rain., 600 in. Ibs. max.
To ensure safe operation
of your mower, periodically
check the
blade bolt for correct
torque.
Off-Season Storage
The following
steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower
for storage.
Clean and lubricate
mower thoroughly
as described
in the
lubrication
instructions.
Coat mower's cutting
blade with chassis grease to prevent
rusting.
Refer to engine
manual for correct engine storage
instructions.
Do not use a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your
unit.
Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to
corrosive
materials,
such as fertilizer.
When storing
any type of power equipment
in a poorly
ventilated
or metal storage
shed, care should
be taken to
rust-proof
the equipment.
Using a light oil or silicone,
coat the
equipment,
especially
cables and all moving
parts of your lawn
mower
before storage.