g002278
Figure 29
1.
Sail
3.
Wear
2.
Flat part of the blade
4.
Slot formed
Note:
For the best performance, install a new blade
before the mowing season begins. During the year,
file down any small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
DANGER
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a
piece of the blade could be thrown toward you
or bystanders, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
•
Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Inspecting the Accelerator
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily—Inspect
the accelerator for wear or damage.
Carefully examine the accelerator for excessive wear
(
). Because sand and abrasive material can
wear away the metal (especially in the area shown
as item 2 in
), check the accelerator before
using the machine. If you notice that a tab on the
accelerator has been worn down to a sharp edge
or there is a crack, replace the accelerator; refer to
Removing the Blade (page 26)
.
g027496
Figure 30
1.
Accelerator
3.
Tab
2.
Wear area
4.
Crack formed
WARNING
A worn or damaged accelerator can break,
and a piece of the accelerator could be thrown
toward you or bystanders, resulting in serious
personal injury or death.
•
Inspect the accelerator periodically for
wear or damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged accelerator.
Removing the Blade
1.
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a
thickly padded glove.
2.
Remove the blade nuts, the accelerator, and the
blade (
).
Sharpening the Blade
Service Interval:
Every 50 hours—Sharpen or
replace the blade. Maintain it more
frequently if the edge dulls quickly in
rough or in sandy conditions.
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (
A) and inner cutting edge
radius (
B). The blade will remain balanced if
you remove the same amount of material from both
cutting edges.
g002279
Figure 31
1.
Sharpen the blade at this
angle only.
2.
Maintain the original radius
here.
Balancing the Blade
1.
Check the balance of the blade by placing
the center hole of the blade over a nail or
screwdriver shank clamped horizontally in a vise
(
).
g002280
Figure 32
Note:
You can also check the balance using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
26
