119293 6-5 REV E
Blades
Mower blade maintenance
Refer to the Mower blade replacement section for blade
removal and installation.
Check the mower blades daily as they are the key to power
efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep the blades sharp. A
dull blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown
ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also
requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as
shown (Figure 6-12). Touch-up sharpening can be done with
a file
After grinding the blades, check for balance. Blade balanc-
ing can be done by placing the blade on an inverted line
punch or 5/8" bolt. A commercial balancing tool is also avail-
able through most hardware supply stores.
The blade should not lean or tilt. When spinning the blade
slowly it should not wobble. Balance the blade before rein-
stalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Figure 6-13 & Figure 6-14). Replace any distorted blade.
Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating,
or weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may
break and cause serious injury. Replace worn or
damaged blades.
Never work with blades while engine is running or
deck clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place
deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place
steering control levers in the park brake position and
turn engine off and disconnect negative battery
cable. Block up mower when you must work under it.
Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for
blade damage if mower strikes a rock, branch or
other foreign object during mowing!
Always wear adequate eye protection when grinding
mower blades.
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when
servicing them.
A. Re-sharpening pattern
B. Original edge
Figure 6-12
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades
A. Warped blade — replace
B. Straight blade
C. Cutting plane
Figure 6-13
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below). It
is easier to get a straight cutting edge follow-
ing the re-sharpening pattern shown above.
A
B
To Next Page
Loading...