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Inspecting the Blade
Carefully examine the blade for sharpness and wear,
especially where the flat and the curved parts meet
(Fig. 20A). 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. 20B and 20C), replace the
blade; refer to Removing the Blade on page 17.
Figure 20
1. Sail
2. Flat part of blade
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.
DANGER
POTENTIAL HAZARD
A worn or damaged blade can break and a
piece of the blade could be thrown into the
operator's or bystander's area.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
A thrown piece of the blade could cause serious
personal injury or death to the operator or
bystanders.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Removing the Blade
Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or thickly padded
glove. Remove the blade bolt, the lock washer, the
accelerator, and the blade (Fig. 21).
1
1
2
1
3
4
270
3. Wear
4. Slot formed
4
3
2
1
1. Blade bolt
2. Lock washer
3. Accelerator
Sharpening the Blade
File the top side of the blade to maintain its original
cutting angle (Fig. 22). The blade will remain balanced if
you remove the same amount of material from both
cutting edges.
1
1. Sharpen at this angle only
Note:
The blade will remain balanced if you remove the
same amount of material from both cutting edges.
Balancing the Blade
1. Check the balance of the blade by placing the center
hole of the blade over a nail or a screwdriver shank
clamped horizontally in a vise (Fig. 23).
Note:
You can also check the balance by using a
commercially manufactured blade balancer.
17
5
Figure 21
4. Blade
5. Blade driver
153
Figure 22
1007
Figure 23
1627
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