12
leaves, dirt, or other matter. If this debris is allowed to
accumulate, it will invite rust and corrosion, and may
prevent proper mulching, discharge, or bagging. The
deck may be cleaned by tilting the mower and scraping
clean with a suitable tool (make certain the spark plug
wire is disconnected).
IMPORTANT:
We do not recommend the use of a
pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. The
use of water will result in shorter life and less
serviceability.
Cutting Blade
•
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or
replacement, protect your hands with a pair of
heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
•
Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 13.
•
Remove the blade and the adapter from the
crankshaft.
Figure 13
WARNING:
Periodically inspect the blade
adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a
foreign object. Replace when necessary.
•
When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important
that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of
grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
WARNING:
An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration when rotating at
high speeds. It may damage the mower, and/
or cause personal injury.
•
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 the side 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.The blade has to be
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, the blade bolt must
be checked periodically for correct torque.
Lubrication
Always stop engine and disconnect spark
plug wire before cleaning, lubricating or
doing any kind of service work on the lawn
mower.
Blade Control
Lubricate the pivot points on the blade control handle at
least once a season with light oil. The blade control
must operate freely in both directions.
Wheels
Lubricate the wheels at least once a season with light
oil (or motor oil). If the wheels are removed for any
reason, lubricate the surface of the axle bolt and inner
surface of the wheel with light oil.
Chute Deflector
Lubricate the torsion springs and pivot points on chute
deflector using light oil. This will insure the deflector,
which is a safety device, can always work properly.
Engine
Follow the engine manual for lubrication instructions.
Replacing Rear Flap
•
To remove rear flap, cut off the flat end of the wire
rod which secures it to the deck. See Figure 14.
•
Attach the new flap and new rod to deck, bending
the ends of the new rod over to secure to deck.
Figure 14
Blade
Hex Bolt
Blade Bell
Adapter
Support
Handle
Bracket
Handle
Bracket
Rear Discharge
Door
Rear
Wi
re
Ro
d
Flap
