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Blade Care
• Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the
carburetor are up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support
which hold the blade and the blade adapter to
the engine crankshaft. See Figure 16.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the
crankshaft.
4. The blade can be sharpened with a file or on
a grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen
the blade while it is still on the mower.
5. When sharpening the blade, follow the
original angle of grind. Grind each cutting
edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
NOTE: Always remove blade from the adapter for
testing balance.
6. Balance the blade on a round shaft
screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly.
7. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter
onto the engine crankshaft.
8. Place blade on the blade adapter. See Figure 16. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on blade
adapter flanges.
NOTE: Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked “Bottom” (or with part number) faces
ground when the mower is in the operating position.
9. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in the blade.
10. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
IMPORTANT:
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.
Off-Season Storage
The following steps should be taken to prepare your lawn mower for storage.
1. Clean and lubricate mower thoroughly as described in the lubrication instructions.
IMPORTANT:
We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit.
2. Refer to engine manual for correct engine storage instructions.
3. Coat mower’s cutting blade with chassis grease to prevent rusting.
4. Store mower in a dry, clean area. Do not store next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer.
NOTE: When storing any type of power equipment in a poorly ventilated or metal storage shed, care should be
taken to rust-proof the equipment. Using a light oil or silicone, coat the equipment, especially cables and all moving
parts of your lawn mower before storage.
WARNING: 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.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may
cause damage to the mower, and could break causing personal injury.
Figure 16
Blade Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
Crank Shaft
Blade
Adapter
Blade