Operator's Manual
Maintenance
18
Cutting
Blade
To assure a superior quality of cut, keep the blade(s)
sharp. For convenient sharpening and replacement,
you may want to have an extra blade(s).
POTENTIAL HAZARD
• A blade that is worn or damaged could
break apart and pieces could be thrown at
bystanders or at you as you use the mower.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
• Pieces of blade that may be thrown could
seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.
HOW TO AV
OID THE HAZARD
• Periodically inspect the blade for wear and
damage. Immediately install a new blade if
it is worn or damaged.
Inspecting the Blade(s)
1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the
Mower, page 12.
2. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig. 21). If the edges
are not sharp or have nicks, remove the blade(s)
and sharpen them; refer to Sharpening the
Blade(s), page 19.
3. Inspect the blade(s), especially the curved area
(Fig. 21). If you notice any damage, wear, or a
slot forming in this area (Fig. 21), immediately
install a new blade.
m–151
1
2
3
Figure 21
1. Cutting
edge
2.
Curved area
3. W
ear/slot forming
Removing the Blade
1. Remove the mower; refer to Removing the
Mower, page 12.
2. Carefully tip the mower over.
3. Remove the bolt, blade stiffener and blade
(Fig. 22). A block of wood may be wedged
between the blade and the mower to lock the
blade when you are removing the bolt.
4. Inspect all parts. If a defect or damage is noticed,
install new parts.
1
m-2376
2
3
4
Figure 22
1. Blade
2. Blade
stif
fener
3. Bolt
4. Spindle