Replacing the Blade
Service Interval: Yearly
Important: You will need a torque wrench to install the
blade properly . If you do not have a torque wrench or
are uncomfortable performing this procedure, contact
an Authorized Service Dealer.
Examine the blade whenever you run out of gasoline. If the
blade is damaged or cracked, replace it immediately. If the
blade edge is dull or nicked, have it sharpened and balanced,
or replace it.
WARNING
The blade is sharp; contacting the blade can result
in serious personal injury.
Wear gloves when servicing the blade.
1. Refer to Preparing for Maintenance (page 11).
2. Tip the machine onto its side with the air filter up.
3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady
(Figure 19).
4. Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware
(Figure 19).
5. Install the new blade and all mounting hardware
(Figure 20).
Figure 19
Important: Position the curved ends of the blade
to point toward the machine housing.
6. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to
60 ft-lb (82 N-m).
Important: A bolt torqued to 60 ft-lb (82 N-m) is
very tight. While holding the blade with a block
of wood, put your weight behind the ratchet or
wrench and tighten the bolt securely. This bolt is
very difficult to overtighten.
Adjusting the Self-propel Drive
Cable
Whenever you install a new self-propel cable or if the
self-propel drive is out of adjustment, adjust the self-propel
drive cable.
1. Loosen the cable support nut (Figure 21).
13
Figure 20