Ryobi RY401021 - Replacing Cutting Blades; Storing the Mower

12 — English
MAINTENANCE
tightened. The recommended torque for the blade nut is
325-400 in.lbs.
■ Repeat with the second blade, if needed.
NOTICE:
Do not allow the starter cable to become pinched or
trapped when lowering the handle.
■ Place the new blade on the shaft against the blade posts
on the hub. Ensure blade is properly seated with shaft go
ing through center blade hole and the two blade posts on
the hub inserted into their respective holes on the blade.
Make sure it is installed with the curved ends pointing up
toward the mower deck and not down toward the ground.
. When seated properly, the blade should be flat.
■ Replace the blade insulator and spacer, then thread the
blade nut on the shaft and finger tighten.
NOTE: Make certain all parts are replaced in the exact
order in which they were removed.
■ Torque the blade nut down clockwise using a torque
wrench (not provided) to ensure the bolt is properly
■ Before storage, wipe any dirt or debris from the battery
area.
■ Raise the mower into the vertical storage position and
clean grass clippings that have accumulated on the un 
derside of the mower deck.
• Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth.
■ Check all nuts, bolts, knobs, screws, fasteners, etc., for
tightness.
■ Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and wear.
Have repairs made on any damaged or missing parts.
Check blades for damage, uneven, or excessive wear
and replace blade if these conditions exist.
■ Store mower indoors in a clean, dry place out of the reach
of children.
• To store the mower in a horizontal position, lower the
handle assembly. Avoid pinching ortrapping any cables.
• To store the mower in a vertical position, remove the
grass bag, then lower the handle assembly. Avoid
pinching or trapping any cables. Raise the mower 90°
to rest on its rear support.
■ Do not store near corrosive materials such as fertilizer or
rock salt.
STORING THE MOWER
See Figures 18-19.
A WARNING:
Remove all battery packs from the battery ports and start
key and store indoors in a secure and dry location out of
the reach of children to prevent unauthorized use of the
lawn mower and possible serious personal injury.
REPLACING THE CUTTING BLADES
See Figures 16-17.
NOTE: Only use authorized replacement blades.
■ Stop the motor and remove the start key. Allow the blades
to come to a complete stop.
■ Remove the battery packs from the battery port.
■ Turn the mower on its side.
■ Wedge a block of wood between the blades and mower
deck to prevent the blades from turning.
■ Loosen the blade nut by turning it counterclockwise (as
viewed from bottom of mower) using a 15 mm wrench
or socket (not provided).
■ Remove the blade nut, spacer, blade insulator, and blades.
Do not remove the hub or the adaptor.
■ Inspect the blades and replace one or both as needed.
A WARNING:
Always protect hands by wearing heavy gloves and/or
wrapping the cutting edges of the blades with rags and
other material when performing blade maintenance. Con 
tact with the blades could result in serious personal injury.
A WARNING:
Ensure blades are properly seated and the blade nut is
tightened to the torque specifications above. Failure to
properly attach the blades could cause them to come
loose and result in possible serious personal injury.
A WARNING:
If the hub and/or the adaptor have been removed, replace
them before placing blades on the shaft. Failure to do so
could cause the blades to detach or become unbalanced
since blades will not tighten properly, which can result in
serious personal injury.