Blade Care - Craftsman C459-36306 Operator's Manual

BLADE CARE

WARNING
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 19.
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.
WARNING
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 19 inset.
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
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
18
Blade
Blade
Bolt
Figure 19