602469_1009 4-5
The steering control levers should be adjusted so that they
align with each other when in the neutral position.
Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power
efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep them 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.
WARNING: 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.
DANGER: 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 objects during mowing!
WARNING: Always wear adequate eye protection
when grinding mower blades.
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 objects during mowing!
Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16” wrench to remove the 5/8” cap screw holding
the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath. NOTE: A blade
holding tool (part number 381442) is available from BigDog™
Mowers. It is designed to prevent the blades from rotating when
they are being removed or installed on the spindle. Contact your
BigDog™ Mowers dealer for more information.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown
(Fig. 4-6). Touch-up sharpening can be done with a file.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A
commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware
supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on
an inverted line punch or 5/8” bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt.
Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out
of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Fig. 4-7 and Fig. 4-8). Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
Fig. 4-4
Fig. 4-5
Upper
control
lever
Lower
control
lever
Cap screw
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