Walker R21 Operator's Manual page 42

Maintenance
DO NOT try to straighten a blade that is bent.
NEVER weld a broken or cracked blade. AL-
WAYS replace with a new blade to assure
safety.
3. Visually inspect the cutting edge. If the cutting
edge is dull or nicked, it should be sharp-
ened using the following procedure:
NOTE: If you are not comfortable performing
the following steps, contact your authorized
Walker Dealer for assistance.
To Sharpen the Blades:
A. Remove blades for sharpening by grasp-
ing the end of the blade using a rag or a
thick, padded glove, while loosening and
removing the bolt and flat washer that
mounts the blade.
B. Grind cutting edge at the same bevel as
the original. Sharpen only the top of the
cutting edge to maintain sharpness.
NOTE: Blades can be sharpened with an
electric blade sharpener, conventional electric
grinder, or a hand file.
ALWAYS wear eye protection and gloves when
sharpening a blade.
Sharpen at
Original 30° Angle
30°
Sharpen on Underside
Mower Blade Profile for Sharpening
38
WARNING
CAUTION
Intersection
Wear Area
Wing
Tip
Do Not Grind or
C. Check blade balance by positioning the
blade horizontally on a blade balancer or
use a nail or shaft through the center hole.
If either end of the blade rotates down-
ward, grind (remove) metal on that end
until the blade will balance. The blade
is properly balanced when neither end
drops. Balance of a blade is generally
maintained by removing an equal amount
of material from each end of the blade
when sharpening.
Blade Balancer
Blade Balanced on Magnetic Wall-Mounted
Balancer
D. Mount the blade with wing tips pointing
up into the housing. Reinstall the blade,
washer, and bolt. Tighten the bolt to 70
lb·ft (95 N·m).
R21