Not for
Reproduction
31
Regular Maintenance
Servicing the Mower Blades
Removing the Mower Blade
1. To remove the mower blade, wedge a wooden
block between the mower blade and the mower
deck housing to keep the blade from turning and
remove the mower blade mounting bolt with a
15/16” wrench (Figure 22).
Inspecting the Mower Blade
1. Remove the mower blade from the unit.
2. Inspect the mower blade (Figures 23 & 24).
Discard the mower blade if it has any of the below
conditions:
A.) Has more than .5” (12,7 mm) of the mower
blade metal removed from previous sharpening or
wear (D, Figure 23).
B.) The air lifts are excessively eroded (B & C,
Figure 24) and the notch (C) is .25” (6,35 mm)
deep or greater.
C.) Mower blade is bent or broken.
3. If the cutting edges are not sharp or have nicks,
sharpen the blades. See SHARPENING THE
MOWER BLADES.
CAUTION
Avoid injury. Mower blades are sharp.
• Always wear gloves when handling mower
blades or working near blades.
DANGER
Avoid injury. A worn or damaged blade can
break, and a piece of the mower blade could be
thrown into the operator’s or bystander’s area,
resulting in serious personal injury or death.
• Inspect the mower blade every 25 hours or at
least once a year.
• If the mower blade hits a solid object, stop
the engine immediately and inspect the mower
blade.
• Never weld or straighten bent mower blades.
Figure 22. Loosening the Mower Blade for Removal
Figure 23. Inspecting the Mower Blade Tips
A. Mower Blade Cutting Edge
B. Square Corner
C. Air Lift
D. Wear Measurement - DISCARD Mower Blade If
greater than .5” (12,7 mm)
B
D
C
A
C
A
A
B
C
Figure 24. Inspecting the Mower Blade Air Lifts
A. New Mower Blade
B. Mower Blade at Wear Limit (A notch begins to form)
C. Mower Blade in Dangerous Condition (Notch measures .25” (6,35 mm) or greater DO NOT USE. Replace
with new mower blade.)
