Columbia 12ABW32G897, Operator'S Manual

Page: 20 / 28

20 S
ection
5— S
ervice
8. Push and hold the ON/OFF switch until the mower engine
stops.
9. Turn the water OFF and detach the deck wash nozzle from
the water port on your deck’s surface.
After cleaning your deck with the Smart Jet system, start the
mower’s engine, return to the operator’s position and engage
the blades. Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of
two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to
thoroughly dry.
Blade Care
WARNING!
Shut the engine OFF and remove
ignition key (if so equipped) before removing the
cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement.
Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when
grasping the blades.
WARNING!
Periodically inspect the blade and/or
spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve
struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine
until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blades, proceed as follows:
1.
Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark
plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are facing up.
3. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing
baffle and the cutting blade to prevent the blade from
turning when loosening the blade’s hex flange nut. See
Figure 5-6.
Figure 5-6
4. Remove the hex flange nuts (a) that secures the blades to
the spindle assembly. See Figure 5-7.
Note:
The hex flange nuts are secured using a standard thread
pattern. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen
.
(a)
(b)
Figure 5-7
5. Remove the blades (b) from the mowing deck.
6. Replace or sharpen the blades. 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. Always grind
each cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade
balance. See Figure 5-8.
Figure 5-8
7. Test the blades for balance by balancing the blade on a
round shaft screwdriver to check. If out of balance, when
sharpening, remove metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly. During sharpening the blade, follow the
original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to
keep the blade balanced.