Service Manual

Service Dealer’s Guide to Great Quality of Cut 3 - 1

Inspecting and Sharpening the Blade

Overview

This section describes how to remove, inspect,

sharpen, balance, and install a blade.

Blade condition is a key factor in quality of cut. The

blade should always be straight and sharp. A sharp

blade produces a clean, neat cut and helps ensure

healthy grass plants. A dull blade tears and shreds

grass, producing a poor quality of cut and damaging

the grass plants.

Note: For 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

Note: On walk behind mowers, while the blade is

attached to the mower, move the blade as little as

possible to avoid future starting problems.

1. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to

stop.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

3. Walk behind mowers: Drain the fuel and oil from

the engine. Tip the mower on its side, air filter up.

Riding mowers: Remove the mower attachment,

or raise and block the tractor to allow access to

the underside of the mower.

4. Loosen the blade fastener(s). The blade fasteners

differ from mower to mower. Some mowers use a

bolt and a lock washer; some use a bolt or a nut

with a locking patch or locking material in the

threads. Bolt size varies by mower model and size

of blade. Always use the proper size wrench to

remove the bolt or nut. An adjustable wrench can

easily open and slip.

5. Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or a thickly

padded glove. Remove the blade bolt (or nut) and

the other component (Figure 3 and Figure 4).

Figure 3

remove1.TIF

Figure 4

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2. Curved washer

4. Spindle shaft

2. Lock washer

3. Accelerator

5. Blade driver