17
17
Inspect your blades at least once a season and anytime your mower
hits a solid or stationary object
. The cutting blades can become
damaged or the stationary blade can become out of alignment if the mower
strikes something hard. The following are common scenarios, as a result of
hitting a stationary object: 1. The cutting reel will begin to touch the
stationary blade making it difficult or impossible to push, or, 2. the gap
between the two blades will become too large resulting in reduced cutting
performance.
If the cutting blades start to touch the stationary blade, it will produce a
scraping sound or it will not rotate freely at all. In this case, stop
immediately and prepare to check for damage to the blades. Before
checking for blade damage, place the mower on a firm, level surface.
Begin examining each of the helical cutting blades on the cutting reel.
Slowly try to turn the cutting reel and check if a point of interference is
found. If there is interference, look to see if there is a dent on either the
helical cutting blades or on the stationary blade. Only small dents can be
repaired.
If there is no apparent damage to any of the five helical cutting blades,
then the stationary blade may have shifted too close or too far from the
stationary blade. Follow the step by step instructions on page 13 for
adjusting the blades.
Repairing a small dent is possible.
If minor damage such as a dent is
found on one of the five helical cutting blades, it is possible to file down
using a steel file. To remove the dent, only file away enough of the raised
material to allow the cutting reel to spin without making contact with the
stationary blade. Be sure to file with long strokes, perpendicular to the
cutting edge itself. Try to avoid filing material off the sharp edge of the
blade. Take your time with this procedure since your safety is most
important.
Once the dent has been removed, examine again to see if there is any
contact between the helical cutting blades and the stationary blade. If there
is contact, repeat the above filing process, or call the Help Line at 1-800-
918-8290 to find an authorized repair center near you.
Sharpening the blades
. The blades should not need sharpening for many
years of normal usage. If you think the blades need to be sharpened, seek
an authorized professional. Sharpening with an abrasive compound will not
work and could cause damage. Always seek an authorized professional to
sharpen the blades. Special sharpening equipment is needed to
successfully sharpen the helical cutting blades.
Care and Mai
ntenance
WARNING
: The mower blades are sharp! Wear gloves for this
procedure, and keep fingers away from the interface between the
helical cutting blades and stationary blade.
WARNING
: The mower blades are sharp! Wear gloves for this
procedure, and keep fingers away from the interface between the
helical cutting blades and stationary blade.
ATTENTION
: Do not attempt to sharpen either the helical cutting
blades or the stationary blade by yourself! Always seek an
authorized professional that has the proper equipment and training
for sharpening this type of blade. Call the Help Line at 1-800-918-
8290 to find an authorized repair center near you.
ATTENTION
: Do not use a power tool to repair the helical cutting
blades or the stationary blade. It is very dangerous and can cause too
much material to be removed which will result in lower performance.
ATTENTION
: If the cutting reel is difficult to turn, do not force it to
turn as it may have begun contacting the stationary blade. This can
cause even more damage.