17
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Blade Care
WARNING
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign
object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
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.
Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the
blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 23.
4.
Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
5.
Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a
round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until
it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
WARNING
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal
injury.
6.
Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the
blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Grass Side”
(or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating
position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges. See Figure 23 inset.
7.
Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell
support with small holes in blade.
8.
Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque:
450 in-lb (min.), 600 in-lb (max.).
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct
torque.
Blade
Blade
Adapter
Bolt
Blade Bell Support
Figure 23
Belt Care
NOTE:
Several components must be removed in order to change the mower’s self-
propulsion drive belt. See an authorized Service Center to have your belt replaced.
Charging Electric Starter Battery (If Equipped)
IMPORTANT:
Refer to instructional manual supplied with battery charger for
charging, maintenance and battery disposal instructions.
WARNING
The battery contains corrosive fluid and toxic material; handle with care
and keep away from children. Do not puncture, disassemble, mutilate or
incinerate the battery. Explosive gases could be vented during charging or
discharging. Use in a well ventilated area, away from sources of ignition.
WARNING
Read all safety warnings, instructions, and cautionary markings for the
battery pack, charger and product. Failure to follow the warnings and
instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Figure 24
