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English 
23 Inspection and Maintenance
Proper maintenance of the lawn mower includes the 
following activities:
► Inspecting the mowing blade periodically and replacing it 
or having it replaced by an authorized STIHL servicing 
dealer.
► Periodically sharpening the mowing blade or having it 
sharpened and balanced by an authorized STIHL 
servicing dealer.
► Having worn, missing or damaged safety labels replaced 
by an authorized STIHL servicing dealer.
If you make a warranty claim for a component which has not 
been serviced or maintained properly, coverage may be 
denied.
23.2 Inspecting the Mowing Blade
WARNING
Never use a dull or damaged mowing blade. Working with a 
dull blade leads to increased vibration, unsatisfactory cutting 
results and increased wear, in particular if you use the lawn 
mower on sandy ground or use it frequently under dry 
conditions. A damaged mowing blade may vibrate, crack, 
break or come off the lawn mower, which may result in 
serious or fatal injury or property damage. Make sure the 
mowing blade is sharp and in good condition before starting 
work.
WARNING
The mowing blade has sharp edges. If it contacts your flesh, 
it may cut you, even if it is not moving. Always wear heavy-
duty work gloves when inspecting or otherwise handling the 
mowing blade, @ 5.5.
To inspect the mowing blade:
► Switch off the lawn mower, @ 15.2.
► Remove the fuse key and battery, @ 13.2 and @ 14.2.
► Place the lawn mower on a flat surface.
► Set the cutting height to position 6, @ 18.1.
► Fold down the handle, @ 12.2.
► Stand the mower on end.
► Use a caliper to check the blade thickness. Blade 
thickness must be at least a = 0.05 in. (2.0 mm) at its 
narrowest point.
► Use a caliper to check the blade width. Blade width must 
be at least b = 1 in. (45 mm) at its narrowest point.
► Replace the mowing blade if the measured blade 
thickness and width are outside the permissible limits.
► Check the sharpening angle. Sharpen the mowing blade, 
if the sharpening angle is not c = 30°.
23.3 Sharpening and Balancing the Mowing Blade
WARNING
Never use a dull or damaged mowing blade. Working with a 
dull blade leads to increased physical strain, increased 
vibration load, unsatisfactory cutting results and increased 
wear, which can result in loss of control and injury to the 
operator or bystanders. A damaged mowing blade may 
vibrate, crack, break or come off the lawn mower, which may 
result in serious or fatal injury or property damage. Make 
sure the mowing blade is sharp and in good condition before 
starting work. 
WARNING
An improperly balanced mowing blade can increase the risk 
severe personal injury or death. STIHL recommends having 
your mowing blade sharpened and balanced by an 
authorized STIHL servicing dealer to reduce the risk of 
severe or fatal injury.
c
b
a
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