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.
2. Tip the mower onto its side with the air filter up.
3. Use a block of wood to hold the blade steady
(Figure 22).
4. Remove the blade, saving all mounting hardware
(Figure 22).
5. Install the new blade and all mounting hardware
(Figure 23).
Figure 22
Important: Position the curved ends of the
blade to point toward the mower 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 24).
15
Figure 23