Snapper 500Z Series Safety Instructions & Operator's Manual page 29

Regular Maintenance
Sharpening the Mower Blade
, CAUTION
Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp.
,, Alwayswear gloves when handling the mower
blades.
,, Alwayswear safety eye protectionwhen grinding.
1. Sharpen the mower blades with grinder, hand file. or
electric blade sharpener.
2. Sharpen the mower blade by removing an equal amount
of material from each end of the mower blade.
3. Keepthe original bevel (A, Figure29) when grinding. DO
NOT changethe mower blade bevel.
4. The mower blade should have a maximum 1/64" (0,40
ram) cutting edge (B) or less.
5. Balancethe mower blades before installing.
Balancing the Mower Blades
, CAUTION
Avoidinjury! Keep mower blades balanced.
• An unbalanced mower blade can create excessive
vibration and damage the unit or cause mower blade
failure.
1. Cleanthe mower blade to remove any dried grass or
other debris.
2. See Figure 30. Put the mower blade on a nail in a vise
and turn the mower blade to the horizontal position.
3. Checkthe balanceof the mower blade. If either end of
the mower blade moves downward, sharpen the heavy
end until the mower blade is balanced. See Sharpening
the Mower Blades for proper sharpening instructions.
4. Repeatthe process until the mower blade remains in the
horizontal position.
Reinstalling the Mower Blades
1. Reinstall each mower blade with the air lifts pointing up
towards the mower deck as shown in Figure 31.
48" Models: Securewith the mower blade mounting
bolt and flat washer (A & B, Figure 31) and torque to 70
ft. Ibs (94 Nm).
2. If there are no flats on the spindle shaft, wedge a
wooden block between the mower blade and the mower
deck housing to keepthe mower blade from turning.
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Figure 2! Sharpening Ble Mower Blade
A. Mower Blade Bevel
B. Mower Blade Cutting Edge
Figure 30. Balancing the Mower Blade
A. Nail
Figure 31, Tightening the Mower Blade for Installation
A. Mower Blade Mounting Bolt
B, Flat Washer
C. Mower Blade Air Lift (Points Up For Installation)
D. 4X4 WoodenBlock
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