Exmark Metro 26 Operator's Manual page 20

Maintenance
the flat and curved parts of the blade, check
the blade before using the lawn mower. If you
notice a slot or wear (Figure 13B and Figure 13C),
replace the blade.
Figure 13
1. Sail
2. Flat
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
A worn or damaged blade can break. A
piece of the blade could be thrown into the
operator's or bystander's area, resulting in
serious personal injury or death.
• Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
• Replace a worn or damaged blade.
If it is necessary to remove the blade for
replacement or sharpening, complete the
following steps:
A. Remove the blade. Make sure to grasp the end
of the blade using a rag or a thickly padded
glove. Place a wrench on the top spindle nut
and remove the blade bolt (Figure 14).
3. Wear
4. Slot
1. Blade bolt—torque to 75-85 ft-lb (102-115 N-m)
B. For Sharpening: File the top side of the
blade to maintain its original cutting angle
(Figure 15A) and inner cutting edge radius
(Figure 15B). The blade will remain balanced
if you remove the same amount of material
from both cutting edges.
1. Cutting angle
C. Check the balance of the blade by placing
the center hole of the blade over a nail or
screwdriver shank clamped horizontally in a
vise (Figure 16). If either end of the blade
rotates downward, file that end (not the
cutting edge). The blade is properly balanced
when neither end drops.
1. Blade
2. Vise
D. For Installation: Make sure to grasp the end
of the blade using a rag or a thickly padded
glove. Re-install a sharp balanced Exmark
blade, washer, and blade bolt as shown in
Figure 14. The sail of the blade must point
toward the top of the lawn mower housing
for proper installation. Torque the blade bolt
to 75-85 ft-lb (102-115 N-m).
20
Figure 14
Figure 15
2. Cutting edge radius
Figure 16
3. Screwdriver