Inspecting And Sharpening the
Blade
1.
Raise the cutting unit to the highest position, shut
the engine off and engage the parking brake.
Engage the transport latches to prevent the cutting
unit from falling accidentally.
2.
Examine the cutting ends of the blade carefully,
especially where the flat and curved parts of the
blade meet (Fig. 81-A). Since sand and abrasive
material can wear away the metal that connects the
flat and curved parts of the blade, check the blade
before using the machine. If wear is noticed (Fig.
81-B), replace the blade: refer to
Blade Removal
and Installation.
Figure 82
1.
Sail
2.
Flat part of blade
3.
Wear
34 Slot formed
3.
Inspect the cutting edges of all blades. Sharpen the
cutting edges if they are dull or nicked. Sharpen
only the top of the cutting edge and maintain the
original cutting angle to make sure of sharpness
(Fig. 83). The blade will remain balanced if same
amount of metal is removed from both cutting
edges.
44
Figure 83
1.
End view
2.
Sharpen at this angle only
4.
To check the blade for being straight and parallel,
lay it on a level surface and check its ends. Blade
ends must be slightly lower than the center, and the
cutting edge must be lower than the heel of the
blade. This blade will produce good quality of cut
and require minimal power from the engine. By
contrast a blade that is higher at the ends than the
center, or if cutting edge is higher than the heel, the
blade is bent or warped and must be replaced.
5.
Install the lade-sail facing toward the cutting unit
with the anti-scalp cup, lockwasher and blade bolt.
Tighten the blade bolt to 115–149Nm (85-110 ft-
lb.).
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