Blade Maintenance
Maintaining the Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts cleanly
and without tearing or shredding the grass blades.
1.
Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2.
Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
3.
Close the fuel valve by moving the fuel-valve lever to
the
left
(
4.
Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank.
5.
Tip the machine onto its
right
side (air cleaner up) as
shown in
Figure 25
1.
Blade
3.
Accelerator
2.
Blade nuts
Inspecting the Blade
Service Interval:
Before each use or daily—Inspect the
mower blades for wear or damage.
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear, especially
where the flat and the curved parts meet (
A).
Because 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 you notice a slot or
wear (
B and
C), replace the blade; refer to
Removing the Blade (page 21)
.
Figure 26
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 in your direction or
in the direction of 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 21)
.
1
2
3
4
g027496
Figure 27
1.
Accelerator
3.
Tab
2.
Wear area
4.
Crack formed
20
