16
3. Examine the blade cutting edges for nicks, cutting
angle, and sharpness. Sharpen or replace the blade if
necessary.
4. Examine the blade driver for bent or sheared drive
lugs. Replace it if necessary.
Sharpening the Blade
1. Sharpen only the leading edge of blade with a file or
grinder. Do not sharpen beyond the recommended
area.
Note: Blade should not be ground more than 5 inches
(127 mm) from outside ends and no less than 2 inches
(51 mm) from trailing edge (Fig. 28).
990
2” (51 mm)
5”
(127 mm)
Figure 28
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or a screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Fig. 29).
1007
Figure 29
2. If either end of blade rotates downward, grind or file
that end (not the cutting edge or the end near the
cutting edge). The blade is properly balanced when
neither end drops.
Installing the Blade
1. Ensure that the blade driver (Fig. 27) is installed on
the crankshaft.
2. Locate the blade over the lugs of the blade driver with
the curved ends toward the housing.
3. Torque the blade nut to 560 in-lb (63 N
m).
Note: Replace the blade nut after installing and removing
the blade four times. The locking power of the blade nut
diminishes, and the blade nut could loosen if you do not
replace it.
Lubricating the Wheels
1. Wipe the grease fittings (Fig. 30) with a clean rag.
1195
1
Figure 30
1.
Grease fitting
2. Apply grease into each fitting until the grease appears
around the wheel attachment bolt.
Adjusting the Self-propel Cable
Model 22261 only
Whenever you change the handle height, install a new
self-propel cable, or if the traction drive belt slips, adjust
the self-propel cable.
Adjust the self-propel cable at the left handle bracket by
moving the cable jacket held by jam nuts (Fig. 31).
1131
2
1
2
Figure 31
1.
Cable jacket
2.
Jam nut
1. Hold the self-propel bail 1 to 1
/
in. (25 to 38 mm)
from the handle.
2. Adjust the jam nuts at the handle bracket so that the
cable is tight without stretching the spring.
3. Tighten the jam nuts securely.
4. Release the bail and ensure that the cable is loose.
Note: The cable must be loose when you release the
self-propel bail or the lawn mower may creep forward
when the bail is in the disengaged position.
