Operator's Manual

19
Maintaining the Cutting Blade
Always mow with a sharp blade. A sharp blade cuts
cleanly and without tearing or shredding the grass blades
like a dull blade.
1. Drain the gasoline from the fuel tank; refer to steps 1
through 4 of Emptying the Fuel T ank on page 21.
2. Remove the wire from the spark plug (Fig. 9).
3. If a grass bag is on the lawn mower, close the door in
the lawn mower housing and remove the bag.
4. T ip the lawn mower onto its left side (Fig. 23).
IMPORTANT : Move the blade as little as possible to
avoid futur e starting pr oblems.
973
2
1
3
Figure 23
1. Blade
2. Accelerator
3. Blade bolt
Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear ,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 24A). Because sand and abrasive material can wear
away the metal that connects the flat and curved parts of
the blade, check the blade before using the lawn mower . If
you notice a slot or wear (Figs. 24B and 24C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 19.
270
1
1
1
2
3
4
A
B
C
Figure
24
1. Sail
2. Flat
part of blade
3. Wear
4.
Slot formed
Note: For the best performance, install a new blade before
the cutting season begins. During the year , file down any
small nicks to maintain the cutting edge.
Removing the Blade
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly padded
glove. Remove the blade bolt, the lock washer , the
accelerator , and the blade (Fig. 23).
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• A worn or damaged blade could br eak and a
piece of blade could be thr own into operator ’s
or bystander ’ s ar ea.
WHA
T CAN HAPPEN
• A thr own piece of blade could cause serious
personal injury or death to operator or
bystanders.
HOW T O A V OID THE HAZARD
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Fig. 25). The blade will remain balanced if
you remove the same amount of material from both
cutting edges.