Sharpening The Blade; Replacing Wheels; Balancing The Blade; To Check The Blade Balance - Craftsman 151.98834 Operator's Manual

SHARPENING THE BLADE

See Figure 26, page vi
For best mowing performance, the mower
blade must be kept sharp. A dull blade does
not cut grass evenly and overloads the motor.
Under normal circumstances, sharpening
the blade twice during the mowing season is
usually sufficient. However, if your lawn has
sandy soil, more frequent sharpening may be
required.
■ Following the instructions in the Replacing
Mower Blade section, remove the mower
blade. DO NOT attempt to sharpen the blade
while it is attached to the mower.
■ Using a fine-tooth file or sharpening stone,
sharpen cutting edges on both ends of the
blade, removing equal amounts of material
from both ends.
WARNING
When removing, inspect the blade carefully.
If blade is bent or damaged, replace
immediately with a new blade. Failure to
replace a bent or damaged blade could cause
an accident resulting in possible serious
injury.

BALANCING THE BLADE

See Figure 27, page vi
When sharpening, care should be taken to
keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced
blade will cause excessive vibration when
the mower is running. This vibration will
eventually cause damage to the mower,
especially the motor.

To check the blade balance:

■ Clamp a screwdriver horizontally in a vise
as shown.
NOTE: If a vise is not available, a straight nail
can also be used.
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
20 ― English
■ Place the center hole of blade on the
screwdriver (or nail) shank.
■ If blade is balanced, it will remain in a
horizontal position.

REPLACING WHEELS

See Figure 28, page vi
To replace a wheel (10 or 14):
NOTE: Before replacing a rear wheel (14),
set the mower cutting height at the highest
position.
■ Remove safety key (19) and battery (21) at
first before replacing the wheel.
■ Fold the mower into the storage position.
Turn the mower upside down.
■ Push the inner hubcap tabs from inner side
of the wheel, by using a flat head screwdriver
or other adequate tool.
■ When all inner hubcap tabs have been
depressed, the hubcap should become free
allowing access to the axle.
■ Remove the cotter pin using a pair of pliers,
and slide the washer off the axle.
■ Remove the wheel, replace with a new
identical replacement wheel.
■ Reinstall the washer and press cotter pin
back into place. Reinstall the inner hubcap.
Make sure all tabs are locked into place.
NOTE: Servicing or replacing requires
extreme care, knowledge and skills, and we
suggest it be performed by a qualified service
technician.