13
3.
CHECK ADJUSTMENT—Slowly pull mower
backward while control bar is gradually moved
toward handle. Adjustment is correct when rear
wheels stop turning and control bar is about
one inch from handle (Fig. 21).
Inspecting, Removing,
Sharpening Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts
cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass
blades like a dull blade.
1.
Stop engine and wait for all moving parts to
stop. Pull wire off spark plug.
2.
Drain gasoline from fuel tank; refer to
DRAINING GASOLINE section.
3.
Tip mower on its right side. Avoid rotating blade
as starting problems may result.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
Engine could be started accidentally.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
Accidental starting of engine could cause
serious injury to operator or bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Do not attempt to inspect, remove or
replace blade without first removing the
spark plug wire from spark plug and
fastening it away from accidental contact
with spark plug.
4.
INSPECTING BLADE—Carefully examine
blade for sharpness and wear, especially where
flat and curved parts meet (Fig. 23A). Since sand
and abrasive material can wear away the metal
that connects the flat and curved parts of the
blade, check blade before using the mower. If a
slot or wear is noticed, (Fig. 23B & C), replace
blade. Refer to step 5.
Note:
For best performance, install new blade
before cutting season begins. During
the year, file down small nicks to
maintain the cutting edge.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
A worn or damaged blade could break and
a piece of blade could be thrown into
operator’s or bystander’s area.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
A thrown piece of blade could cause serious
personal injury or death to operator or
bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Inspect blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
5.
REMOVING BLADE—Grasp end of blade
using a rag or thickly padded glove. Remove
blade bolt, lock washer, accelerator, and blade
(Fig. 22).
6.
SHARPENING BLADE—Using a file, sharpen
top side of blade and maintain original cutting
angle (Fig. 24). The blade will remain balanced
if same amount of material is removed from both
cutting edges.
IMPORTANT: Check balance of blade by
putting it on a blade balancer. An inexpensive
balancer can be purchased at a hardware
store. A balanced blade stays in a horizontal
position and an unbalanced blade settles to
the heavy side. If blade is not balanced, file
more metal off cutting edge on heavy end of
blade.
7.
Reinstall sharp, balanced blade, accelerator, lock
washer, and blade bolt. Sail part of blade must
point toward top of mower housing to assure
correct installation. Tighten blade bolt to
50 ft–lbs (68 N
m).
