17
Deck Cleaning
At least once a season and before storage, clean the
underside of the mower deck to prevent build-up of
grass clippings or other debris.
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect
spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator’s Manual.
2. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side
down and making sure that the air filter and the
carburetor are facing up. Hold mower firmly.
3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a
suitable tool. Do not spray with water.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden
hose to clean your mower. These may cause damage
to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result
in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground.
Blade Care
WARNING: Wait for the blade to stop
completely before performing any work on
the mower or to remove the grass catcher.
Check blade stopping time is within 3 seconds. If blade does
not stop within 3 seconds contact your Service Center.
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.
Annually check the mower blade mounting bolt torque:
Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs (67.8 N-m).
Periodically inspect the blade and blade adapter for
bends or cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object
or experience excessive vibration. Replace when
necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service:
1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not
attempt to pour fuel from the engine.
2. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine
Operator’s Manual.
3. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side
down and making sure that the air filter and the
carburetor are facing up.
4. Remove bolt (a) and blade bell support (b) which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft
(Figure 19).
5. Remove blade (c) and blade adapter (d) from the
crankshaft
(Figure 19).
6. Remove blade from the blade adapter for testing
balance.
a. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver
to check.
b. Remove metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly.
NOTE: When sharpening the blade, follow the original
angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to
keep the blade balanced.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to engine and
blade could break causing personal injury.
7. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil (Figure
19 inset).
a. Slide the blade adapter (d) onto the engine
crankshaft.
b. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side
of the blade marked “Grass Side” (or with part
number) faces the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
c. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on
the blade adapter flanges.
8. Place blade bell support (b) on the blade (c). Align
notches on the blade bell support with small holes
in blade.
9. Replace hex bolt (a) and tighten hex bolt to
torque: Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs
(67.8 N-m).
NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower,
periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque.
d
a
c
b
Figure 19
PRODUCT CARE, cont'd
To Next Page
