Craftsman 536.270290 Operator's Manual page 19

MAINTENANCE
4.
INSPECT BLADE
WARNING: Before you inspect or remove the blade,
disconnect the wire to the spark plug. If the blade
_lh its an object, stop the engine. Check the unit for
damage. The blade has sharp edges. When you
hold the blade, use gloves or cloth material to pro-
tect your hands.
If you keep the blade sharp and inspect the blade for damage,
the blade will cut better and be more safe to operate. Frequently
check the blade for excessive wear, cracks, or other damage.
Frequently check the nut that holds the blade. Keep the nut tight.
If the blade hits an object, stop the engine. Disconnect the wire to
the spark plug. See if the blade is bent or damaged. Check the
blade adapter for damage. Before you operate the unit, replace
damaged parts with original equipment parts. See a Sears
Service Center in your area. Every three years, have a qualified
service person inspect the blade or replace the old blade with an
original equipment part.
HOW TO REMOVE AND INSTALL THE BLADE
To Remove
1. Drain the fuel tank.
2. Lift the side of the mower that has the muffler or spark plug.
3. As you loosen the nut, use a piece of wood to keep the blade
from rotating.
4. Remove the nut, washers, and blade (Figure 12).
Hi-Lift /
Edge Up
,_ Mandrel
Adapter
)_ Washer
Figure 12
5. Check the blade and the blade adapter according to the
instructions for "Inspect Blade". Replace a badly worn or
damaged blade with an original equipment blade. See a
Sears Service Center in your area.
6. Clean the bottom of the mower housing. Remove all the
grass and debris.
To Install
1. Meunt the blade and blade adapter on the mandrel
(Figure 12).
2. Mount the blade so that the hi-lift edges are up. If the blade
is upside down, the blade will not cut correctly and can
cause an accident.
3. Fasten the blade with the original washers and nut. Make
sure the outside rim of the Belleville washer is against the
blade (Figure 13).
_ ARNING: Always keep the nut tight that holds the
blade. A loose nut or blade can cause an accident.
F-040607L
Tightenthe nutthatholdsthe bladeto atorque of35foot
pounds.
I I
Blade Adapter t_ t
Blade
s tJ
/
Washer
BellevilleWashe" r I_::_:lj Nut
(Outside rim must be
r-T-----n _"
against the blade.) I
Figure 13
HOW TO SHARPEN THE BLADE
WARNING: Vibration can be caused if the blade is
not correctly balanced or if the blade is damaged.
A blade that is damaged with cracks can break and
cause an accident.
Keep a sharp edge on the blade. A blade that is not sharp will
cause the tips of the grass to become brown.
1. Sharpen the blade two times a year or every 25 hours.
2. Remove the blade according to the instructions in "How To
Remove And Install The Blade".
3. Clean the blade with a brush, soap and water. Check the
blade. Look for cracks, nicks, or other damage. Replace a
badly worn or damaged blade with an original equipment
blade. See a Sears Service Center in your area.
4. Sharpen the blade with a file (Figure 14). Make sure you
keep the original bevel angle.
5. Make sure the blade is balanced. Use a screwdriver and
hold the blade parallel to the ground (Figure 14). A blade
that is balanced will stay parallel to the ground. If the blade
is not balanced, the heavy end will rotate toward the ground,
Sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
6. A new blade will cut better than a badly worn blade. Every
three years, have a qualified service person inspect the
blade or replace the old blade with an original equipment
blade.
7. Assemble the blade according to the instructions "How To
Remove And Install The Blade".
19
Screwdriv__
/ F e
I Blade is balanced
I when parallel to the ground, i
Ground Figure 14