Operator's Manual

45
Danger
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s or
bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Figure 60
1. Cutting blade
2. Blade bolt and lock
washer
3. Anti-scalp cup
4. Carriage bolt and flange
locknut (8)
3. When assembling, make sure blade sail is facing up.
Torque the blade bolt to 140–165 ft.-lb. (190–224 N⋅m).
Inspecting and Sharpening the
Blade
1. Raise cutting units to transport position, engage parking
brake, shut engine off and remove key from ignition
switch.
2. Carefully examine cutting ends of the blade, especially
where the flat and sail (curved part) meet (Fig. 61-A).
Since sand and abrasive material can wear the metal
connecting the flat and sail portions, check the blade
before using the machine. If any wear is noticed
(Fig. 61-B), replace the blade; refer to Removing the
Cutting Unit Blade, page 44.
Figure 61
3. Examine cutting edges of all blades. Sharpen cutting
edges that are dull or nicked. To assure sharpness,
sharpen only the top side of the cutting edge while
maintaining the original cutting angle (Fig. 62). If the
same amount of metal is removed from both cutting
edges, the blade will remain balanced.
SHARPEN AT THIS
ANGLE ONLY
Figure 62
End View
4. To check blade for being straight and parallel, remove
from cutting unit. Lay blade on level surface and check
its ends. Blade ends must be slightly lower than blade
center and cutting edge lower than heel of the blade. If
so, it will produce good quality–of–cut and require
minimal engine power to turn. By contrast, a blade with
ends higher than blade center, or with cutting edge
higher than the blade heel, is warped or bent and must
be replaced.
5. When assembling, make sure blade sail is facing up.
Torque the blade bolt to 140–165 ft.-lb.
Inspecting and Adjusting the
Cutting Unit Belt Tension
Important After first ten hours of operation, check new
belts for proper tension; thereafter, check tension every 50
hours.