Blade Care - MTD 430-439 Series Operator's Manual

Engine
• Follow the engine manual instructions and
recommended schedule for lubricating engine.
Pivot Points
• Lubricate the pivot points on the discharge chute
door, blade control handle and the cutting height
adjustment lever at least once a season with light
oil. The blade control handle must operate freely in
both directions. The cutting height adjustment
levers should be able to move easily.
SECTION 7: SERVICING YOUR MOWER

Blade Care

Periodically inspect the blade adapter and pulley for
cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace
when necessary.
WARNING:
When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement, protect
hands by using heavy gloves or a thick rag to
grasp the cutting blade.
• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter
and the carburetor are up.
• Remove the bolt and blade support or bell washer
which hold the blade and adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 17. Remove the blade and
adapter from the crankshaft.
Blade Adapter
Blade
Figure 17
To Sharpen Blade:
•
•
NOTE: An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds, may cause
damage to the mower and could break causing
personal injury.
•
Blade
Bell
Support
Hex Bolt
13
Lubricate
Lubricate
Figure 16
The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a
grinding wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen the
blade while it is still on the mower.
Follow the original angle of grind as a guide. Make
sure that each cutting edge receives an equal
amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. See Figure 18. Remove metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly. It is
recommended that the blade always be removed
from the adapter for the best test of balance.
1. Insert screw driver through hole
2. Blade should be parallel to ground
Screw
Driver
Figure 18
Follow engine manual
for lubrication
Lubricate
Blade
Ground