21
WARNING:
Be sure to shut the engine off,
remove ignition key, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting before removing
the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or
replacement. Protect your hands by using
heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting
blade.
The blades may be removed as follows.
•
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer
to DECK REMOVAL) then gently flip the deck over
to expose its underside.
•
Place a block of wood between the center deck
housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a
stabilizer. See Figure 17.
•
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut
that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See
Figure 17.
To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal
amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along
the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°
to 30° angle. See Figure 16.
IMPORTANT:
If the cutting edge of the blade has
already been sharpened to within 5/8" of the wind wing
radius, or if any metal separation is present, replace the
blades with new ones. See Figure 16.
It is important that each cutting blade edge be ground
equally to maintain proper blade balance.
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
and may cause damage to the tractor and result in
personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Grind metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly.
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade
with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a
part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
IMPORTANT:
Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds
and 90 foot-pounds.
Battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid
levels cannot be checked.
•
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean
and free of corrosive build-up.
•
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a
light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both
terminals
•
Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the
positive terminal to prevent shorting.
Figure 16
Figure 17
IMPORTANT:
If removing the battery for any
reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s
terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire.
When re-installing the battery, always connect the
POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the
NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are
connected to the correct terminals; reversing them
could change the polarity and cause damage to your
engine’s alternating system.
Charging
If the unit has not been put into use for an extended
period of time, charge the battery with an automotive-
type 12-volt charger for a minimum of one hour at six
amps.
Spindle Assembly
Hex Flange Nut
Wood Block
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen Edge Evenly
5/8"
minimum
