Craftsman C459-36100 Operator's Manual page 14

Blade
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
BlADe CAre
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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 15.
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.
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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.
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade
bell support with small holes in blade.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Blade
Bolt
Figure 15
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.
DeCk WASH
Your mower's deck may be equipped with a water port on its surface
as part of its deck wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside
and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following
steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. Push the mower to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough
for your garden hose to reach.
2. Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your mower's Operator's
Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.
3. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your decks surface.
See Figure 16.
4. Turn the water on.
5. Start the engine as described in the Operation section.
Make certain the mower's discharge chute is directed AWAY from
your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the
underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
Never store lawn mower with fuel in tank indoors or in poorly
ventilated areas where fuel fumes may reach an open flame, spark,
or pilot light as on a furnace, water heater, clothes dryer, or gas
appliance.
7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water
port on your deck's surface.
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Figure 16
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