Operator's Manual

Maintenance
19
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. 29). If the edges
are not sharp or have nicks, remove the blade(s)
and sharpen them; refer to Sharpening the
Blade(s), page 20.
3. Inspect the blade(s), especially the curved area
(Fig. 29). If you notice any damage, wear, or a
slot forming in this area (Fig. 29), immediately
install a new blade.
151
1
2
3
Figure 29
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. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly padded
glove. Remove the bolt, flat washer, and blade
(Fig. 30). 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 damage is noticed, install
new parts.
1
2
3
4
5
m–3585
Figure 30
1. Nut
2. Flat
washer – thin
3. Blade
4. W
asher – thick
5. Spindle