Ariens 988811, Owner'S Manual

Page: 27 / 36

GB - 27
Remove Mower Blades
1. Turn the engine off. Remove the ignition
key. Remove the ignition wire from the
spark plugs.
2. Block the blades with a wooden block to
prevent blade rotation.
3. Remove the bolts, blades and spacers
from the spindle shafts.
Replace Mower Blades
1. Install the spacers, blades, and bolts on
the spindle shafts.
2. Block blades with a wooden block to
prevent blade rotation.
3. Tighten each blade bolt to a torque of
120 lbf-ft (163 N•m).
4. Replace ignition wire on spark plugs.
Sharpen the Mower Blades
Figure 18.
1. Remove mower blade from unit.
Discard mower blade if:
• More than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is
removed.
• Air lifts become eroded.
• Blade is bent or broken.
2. Sharpen mower blade by removing an
equal amount of material from each end
of mower blade. DO NOT change angle
of cutting edge or round the corner of the
mower blade.
3. Check mower blade balance.
Slide mower blade on an unthreaded
bolt. A balanced blade should remain in
a horizontal position. If either end of
mower blade moves downward, sharpen
the heavy end until blade is balanced.
4. Install mower blade(s) on unit (See
Replace Mower Blades on page 27).
Replacing Mower Spindle Bearings
1. Turn the engine off. Remove the ignition
key. Remove the ignition wire from the
spark plugs.
2. Remove mower blade.
3. Remove nut, flat washer, spacer and
pulley.
4. Remove spindle shaft, lower bearing
and spacer from spindle housing.
Discard bearing.
5. Remove and discard upper bearing.
6. Clean entire assembly.
7. Install a new lower bearing and spacer
on the spindle shaft.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The clearance
between the lower bearing and the housing is
only .002 in (.05 mm). Do not force bearing
into housing.
8. Install the spindle shaft, lower bearing
and spacer into the spindle housing.
9. Install the upper bearing.
10. Install spacer.
11. Install pulley and nut. Tighten nut to 85
lbf-ft (115 N•m).
WARNING: Sharp edges can cut.
Moving parts can cut off fingers or a
hand. Wrap blade(s), wear sturdy
gloves and use extreme caution
when servicing. On multi-blade
mowers, rotation of one blade will
cause all blades to rotate.
Figure 19
1. Spacers (Number will vary based on
cutting height.)
2. Blade
3. Blade Bolt
3
1
2
CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen
mower blades while on unit. An
unbalanced mower blade will
cause excessive vibration and
eventual damage to unit. Check
mower blade balance before
reinstalling blades.
NEVER weld or straighten bent
blades.