Yard Machines 260 Thru 279, Operator'S Manual

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13
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side
until it balances evenly. It is recommended that the
blade always be removed from the adapter when
testing for balance. Before reinstalling the blade and
the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine
crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil.
• Be sure to install the blade with end tips facing up
or the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with
part number) facing the ground when the mower is
in the operating position.
• Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
• Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges.
• Place blade bell support on blade. Make sure the
notches on the blade bell support are aligned with
small holes in the blade.
• Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450
in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, the
blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct
torque.
Drive Belt Removal And Replacement
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine.
• Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
• If unit is tipped for easier access to belt, tip the
mower back on its side with the air filter side away
from the ground.
• To get easier access to the belt, just securely place
the mower on raised blocks.
• Remove the transmission cover by sliding off the
two plastic rivets with a screwdriver on each side of
cover. See Figure 13.
Figure 13
• With the drive system in the disengaged position,
the belt can be lifted off the transmission pulley.
See Figure 14.
• Pull the belt from under the deck toward rear of unit
and through gap in cutting deck.
Figure 14
• If belt can not be removed by slipping belt around
blade, then remove the blade following the steps in
the previous section. See Figure 15.
• Slide new belt around engine pulley and through
gap in cutting deck.
Figure 15
• Pull belt toward front of mower and around
transmission pulley.
• Make sure belt is routed inside the belt keepers.
See Figure 13.
• Reattach the transmission cover using the rivets
previously removed.
• Reassemble blade and torque as instructed in
previous section.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your
lawn mower for storage.
• Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described
in the lubrication instructions.
Transmission
Cover
Plastic
Rivet
Belt
Transmission
Pulley
Belt
Keeper
Transmission
Belt
Engine Belt
Keeper Bracket