Blade Service
WARNING: Before you inspect the blade
or the blade adapter, disconnect the wire to
the spark plug. If the blade hits an object,
stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to the
spark plug. Check the unit for damage.
Frequently check the blade for wear or damage such
as cracks. Frequently check the bolt that holds the
blade. Keep the bolt tight. If the blade hits an object,
stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to the spark plug.
Check the blade adapter (A, Figure 18) for damage.
Check for a bent or damaged blade, a badly worn
blade, or other damage. Before you operate the unit,
damaged parts must be replaced with factory replace-
ment parts. For safety, replace the blade every two
years. Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is
not sharp will cause the ends of the grass to become
brown. Remove the blade as follows.
Removing the Blade
WARNING: Before you remove the blade,
disconnect the wire to the spark plug. The
blade has sharp edges. When you hold the
blade, use gloves or cloth material to pro-
tect your hands.
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler or
spark plug.
3. Use a piece of wood to keep the blade from rotat-
ing.
4. Remove the bolt (B, Figure 18) that holds the
blade with a 9/16" (14mm) wrench.
5. Check the blade (C) according to the "Blade
Service" instructions. Replace a badly worn or
damaged blade with a factory replacement blade.
6. Mount the blade with the curved edges toward the
housing. If the blade is upside down, the blade will
not cut correctly and can cause an accident.
7. Fasten the blade with the original washer (D) and
bolt. Make sure the outside rim of the Belleville
washer is toward the blade.
8. Tighten the bolt that holds the blade to a torque of
30 foot pounds.
WARNING: Always keep the bolt that holds
the blade tight. A loose bolt or blade can
cause an accident.
en
C
D
A
D
Figure 18: Removing the blade
Sharpening the Blade
WARNING: Vibration is the result if the
blade is not correctly balanced. A blade
that is damaged with cracks can break
and cause an accident.
1. Sharpen the blade two times a year or every 25
hours.
2. If the blade is on the unit, do not sharpen.
Remove the blade according to the instructions in
"Removing The Blade".
3. Clean the blade with a brush, soap, and water.
Check the blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other
damage. Replace a blade that is badly worn, bent,
or damaged with a factory replacement blade.
4. Sharpen the blade (A, Figure 19, next page) with
a file (B). Make sure you keep the original beveled
cutting edge.
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a screw-
driver (C) and hold the blade parallel to the ground
(D) as shown. A blade that is balanced will stay
parallel to the ground. If the blade is not balanced,
the heavy end will rotate toward the ground.
Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
6. A new blade will cut better than a badly worn
blade. Every two years replace the old blade with a
factory replacement blade.
Checking the Level of Cut
Test the unit in a small area. If the height of cut is not
level or if the cut grass is not discharged, the cause
can be: (1) the blade is bent or damaged, (2) the blade
is not sharp, (3) a worn blade, (4) or a broken blade
adapter. Before you use the unit, correct the problem.
Maintenance
A
B
C
B
19