13
Inspecting/Removing/
Sharpening Blade
1.
Stop engine and pull wire off spark plug (Fig. 7).
2.
Drain gasoline from fuel tank; refer to Draining
Gasoline, page 11.
3.
Tip mower on its right side (Fig. 26). Avoid
rotating blade as starting problems may result.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
Someone could accidentally start engine.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
Accidental starting of engine could cause
serious injury to operator or bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Do not attempt to inspect, remove or
replace blade without first removing the
spark plug wire from spark plug and
fastening it away from accidental contact
with spark plug.
4.
INSPECTING BLADE—Carefully examine
blade for sharpness and wear, especially where
flat and curved parts meet (Fig. 27A). Since sand
and abrasive material can wear away the metal
that connects the flat and curved parts of the
blade, check blade before using the mower. If a
slot or wear is noticed, (Fig. 27B & C), replace
blade. Refer to step 5.
Note:
For optimum performance, install new
blade before cutting season begins.
During the year, file down small nicks
to maintain the cutting edge.
5.
REMOVING BLADE—Grasp end of blade
using a rag or thickly padded glove. Remove
blade bolt, lockwasher, blade accelerator and
blade (Fig. 26).
6.
SHARPENING BLADE—Using a file, sharpen
top side of blade and maintain original cutting
angle (Fig. 28). The blade will remain balanced
if same amount of material is removed from both
cutting edges.
POTENTIAL HAZARD
•
A worn or damaged blade could break and
a piece of blade could be thrown into
operator’s or bystander’s area.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
•
A thrown piece of blade could cause serious
personal injury or death to operator or
bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
•
Inspect blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
IMPORTANT: Check balance of blade by
putting it on a blade balancer. An inexpensive
balancer can be purchased at a hardware
store. A balanced blade stays in a horizontal
position and an unbalanced blade settles to
the heavy side. If blade is not balanced, file
more metal off cutting edge on heavy end of
blade.
7.
Install sharp, balanced blade, blade accelerator,
lockwasher and blade bolt. Sail part of blade
must point toward top of mower housing to
assure correct installation. Tighten blade bolt to
50 ft–lb (68 N
m).
