Craftsman C459-36410 Operator's Manual page 18

Blade Care
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign
object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
1. Disconnect spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower on its side making
sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the
blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 24.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade on a
round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the heavy side until
it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of
grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced.
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high
speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing personal
injury.
5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter
with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the
blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked "Bottom" (or
with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating
position. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges. See Figure 24 inset.
Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell Support
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade bell
support with small holes in blade.
7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs.
max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct
torque.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING
WARNING
Blade
Bolt
Figure 24
Replacing Battery (If Equipped)
Batteries contain sulfuric acid which may cause burns. Do not short circuit
or mutilate batteries in any way. Do not put batteries in fire as these may
burst or release toxic materials.
1. Unhinge cover seal and lift off battery cover.
2. Remove positive and negative leads from battery, and pull up on battery to
remove. See Fig. 25.
3. Replace with new battery. Connect the positive lead (red) to the positive side
of the battery pack, then connect the negative lead (black) to the negative
side. See Fig. 26.
4. Reattach battery cover and cover seal.
18
WARNING
Figure 25
(+) Positive
Terminal
(-) Negative
Terminal
Figure 26