Not for
Reproduction
34
1. Use a block of wood to prevent the mower blade from
turning as shown in Figure 36.
36
2. Using a wrench, remove the bolt securing the blade to the
spindle.
Inspecting, Sharpening, and Balancing the
Mower Blades
CAUTION
Laceration hazard.
Mower blades are sharp.
Always wear gloves when handling, or working near, mower
blades.
1. Remove the mower blade from the unit. See
Removing
the Mower Blades
.
2. Clean the blade to remove any dried grass or other
debris.
DANGER
Thrown objects hazard
Avoid injury: a worn or damaged mower blade can break
and a piece of the blade could be thrown into the operator's
area or bystander's area resulting in serious personal injury
or death.
• Inspect the mower blade every 25 hours or at least
once per year.
• If the mower blade hits a solid object, stop the engine
immediately and inspect the mower blades.
• Never weld or straighten bent mower blades.
3. Inspect the mower blade (Figure 37). Discard the mower
blade if it has any of the following conditions:
• More than .5" (12,7 mm) of the mower blade metal
has been removed from previous sharpening or wear
(A).
• The air lifts are excessively eroded (B) and the notch
(C) is .25" (6,35 mm) deep or greater.
• The mower blade is broken or bent.
37
4. If the cutting edges are not sharp or have nicks, sharpen
the blades.
WARNING
Thrown objects and fire hazard
Grinding mower blades throws sparks and fine metal
particles that are capable of igniting gasoline and gasoline
vapors, and that can injure unprotected eyes.
Be sure all flammable materials are cleared from the area
where grinding will occur.
Always wear safety glasses or goggles when grinding
mower blades.
5. Use a grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener to
sharpen the mower blades by removing an equal amount
of material from the cutting edge of each end of the blade.
6. Keep the original bevel (A, Figure 38) when grinding. DO
NOT change the mower blade bevel.
38
