21
Maintenance
Mower Blade Replacement
WARNING
DO NOT attempt any maintenance, adjustments or
service with engine and blade running. STOP engine
and blade. Disconnect spark plug wire and secure
away from spark plug. Engine and components are
HOT. Avoid serious burns, allow sufficient time for all
components to cool. Wear heavy leather gloves when
handling or working around cutting blades. Blades are
extremely sharp and can cause severe injury.
!
!
Standard Blade Wear Limit
1. Inspect the blade
(Figure 18)
frequently for signs
of excessive wear or damage:
(A)
New blade
(B)
Wear limit (notch starts)
(C)
Dangerous condition! Do not use on the
mower! Replace with a new blade.
Figure 18: Standard blade wear limits
A
B
C
Ninja Blade Wear Limit
1. Inspect the blade
(Figure 20)
frequently for signs
of excessive wear or damage:
(A)
New blade
(B)
Wear limit (cracks or notches begin to appear
on tip)
(C)
Dangerous condition! Do not use on the
mower! Replace with a new blade.
WARNING
DO NOT use a cutting blade that shows signs of
excessive wear or damage. Refer to the Section enti-
tled “MOWER BLADE REPLACEMENT” for proper
blade inspection and service procedures.
!
!
Figure 19: Ninja blade wear limits
A
B
C
Blade Sharpening
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and secure the end
away from the plug.
2. Tilt the mower up on its rear wheels. Do not tilt the
mower with the spark plug or carburetor down.
IMPORTANT:
Drain the fuel tank before tipping the
mower. DO NOT tip the machine with the carburetor or
spark plug down. Oil from the crankcase will saturate
the air filter and cause the engine to be hard to start or
not start at all. If contamination does occur, the air filter
will have to be replaced.
3. Remove the blade
(B, Figure 20)
.
Make sure that
blade hub is seated
between flanges
Figure 20: Removing the mower blade
C
A
B
D
E
en
Not
for
Reproduction
