13
3. Inspect the blade(s), especially the curved area
(Fig. 23). If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot
forming in this area (Fig. 23), immediately install a new
blade.
151
1
2
3
Figure 23
1.
Cutting edge
2.
Curved area
3.
Wear/slot forming
Removing the Blade
1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the Mower,
page 9.
2. Carefully tip the mower over.
3. Remove the bolt, curved washer, and blade (Fig. 24). A
block of wood may be wedged between the blade and
the mower to lock the blade when you are removing the
bolt.
4. Inspect all parts. If a defect or damage is noticed, install
new parts.
1796
1
2
3
4
Figure 24
1.
Nut
2.
Curved washer
3.
Blade
4.
Spindle
Sharpening the Blade(s)
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the
blade (Fig. 25). Maintain the original angle. The blade
retains its balance if the same amount of material is
removed from both cutting edges.
m–1854
1
Figure 25
1.
Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 26). If the blade stays in a horizontal
position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the
blade is not balanced, file some metal off of the back
side of the blade. Repeat this procedure until the blade
is balanced.
1
2
1855
Figure 26
1.
Blade
2.
Balancer
Installing the Blade(s)
1. Install the blade, curved washer, and blade bolt
(Fig. 27).
Important
The curved part of the blade must be
pointing toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper
cutting.
2. Tighten the blade nut to 40-60 ft.-lb. (54-81 N
⋅
m).
