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MAINTENANCE
SHARPENING THE BLADE
For best mowing performance, the mower blade must be kept sharp. A dull blade does not cut grass
evenly and overloads the motor. Under normal circumstances, sharpening the blade twice during the
mowing season is usually sufficient. However, if your lawn has sandy soil, more frequent sharpening
may be required.
•
Following the instructions in the Replacing The Mower Blade section (Page 28), remove the mower
blade. DO NOT attempt to sharpen the blade while it is attached to the mower.
•
Using a fine-tooth file or sharpening stone, sharpen cutting edges on both ends of the blade,
removing equal amounts of material from both ends (Fig. 21).
WARNING
When removing, inspect the blade carefully. If blade is bent or damaged, replace immediately with a
new blade. Failure to replace a bent or damaged blade could cause an accident resulting in possible
serious injury.
BALANCING THE BLADE (Fig. 22)
When sharpening, care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration when the mower is running. This vibration will eventually cause damage to the
mower, especially the motor.
To check the blade balance:
•
Clamp a screwdriver horizontally in a vise as shown.
NOTE: If a vise is not available, a straight nail can also be used.
•
Place the center hole of blade on the screwdriver (or nail) shank.
•
If blade is balanced, it will remain in a horizontal position. If either end of the blade drops downward,
sharpen the heavy side until the blade is balanced.
Fig. 21
29
Fig.22
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