7 MAINTENANCE AND LUBRICATION
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7.20 INSPECTING BLADES _____________________________________________________
Inspected the blade in accordance with the maintenance chart or when the cutting unit is
removed from the mower, carefully inspect the blades to make sure the blades are in
good condition (A). Replace any blade that has bends (B), grooves (C) or cracks (D).
A bent blade can have a small crack that can increase and cause a piece of the blade to break. The bent blades can
cause vibration and other stress on the mower.
The dust or sand particles can wear a dangerous groove in the blade between the air vanes and the flat part of the
blade. The groove can quickly increase in size and allow a piece of the blade to break.
7.21 SHARPENING BLADES ____________________________________________________
Put a wooden block between the blade and cutting unit housing to prevent
the blade to rotate.
When you prepare or sharpen the blade, do not follow the original grind pattern. Grind new cutting edges at an angle. If
the maximum of 1/2 inch (13 mm) blade loss has occurred, do not sharpen more, replace the blade.
To stop blade balance problems, make sure an equal amount of material is removed from both ends of the blades. A
blade that is not balanced will cause vibration and can damage the mower. Use a blade balancer to check the blade
after you sharpen.
Torque center blade bolt to 75 to 90 ft.Lb. (100 to 120 Nm).
CAUTION
Be careful when you check blades to prevent pinching hands and fingers between
ends of the blades.
WARNING
Never try to correct or repair a damaged blade. Always replaced a damaged blade.
The bends, grooves or cracks can cause a piece of the blade to become loose and
be discharged from the mower. The broken blade pieces can cause injury to
bystanders or property damage.
WARNING
The cutting unit blades can have sharp edges. To prevent injury, use
caution when you service or hold the blade.
When you remove more than one half inch of material, the blade tip can
break and be discharged from the mower. The broken blade pieces can
cause injury to bystanders or property damage.
A
B
C
D
!
!
1/2 inch
(13 mm)
!
