Mower Blades - Troy-Bilt Wide-Cut 34342 Owner's Manual

Section 5: Maintenance
WARNING
P
Figure 5-15: Transmission neutral (N) adjustment.

MOWER BLADES

WARNING
Mower blades are sharp.
• When working near blades, wear
heavy leather gloves or wrap blades in
thick rags to protect yourself from the
sharp edges.
• Wear eye protection when sharpening
blades.
Examine mower blades before operation.
For efficient mowing, cutting edges of
blades should always be kept sharp.
Check for blade wear or damage. See
Figure 5-16. Replace a severely worn or
damaged blade with a new one.
To Inspect Blades:
1. Stop engine, wait for all parts to
stop moving, and disconnect spark
plug wire.
2. Tip mower on rear wheels by follow-
ing instructions "Tipping Mower For
Service" in this Section of Manual.
To Remove Blades:
Remove bolt (Figure 5-18) and
washer(s). Remove mower blade.
24
Before inspecting, cleaning or servicing the machine, shut off engine, wait for moving parts to stop, disconnect spark
plug wire and move wire away from spark plug. Remove ignition key (electric start models).
Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious personal injury or property damage.
I
Y
To Sharpen Blades:
Grind or file the same amount from each
blade end to maintain blade balance. An
unbalanced mower blade produces ex-
cessive vibration and may damage spin-
dle bearings. Sharpen cutting edge
straight across, parallel to rear edge of
mower blade. See Figure 5-16. After
sharpening, blade balance must be
checked.
IMPORTANT: PROFESSIONAL SHARP-
ENING SERVICES OR YOUR AUTHO-
RIZED DEALER ARE EQUIPPED TO
SHARPEN MOWER BLADES SAFELY.
To Install Blades:
Blades must be installed perpendicular
to each other (see Figure 5-17).
Install mower blade as shown in Figure
5-18 with flat side down. Install washer
on bolt. Tighten bolts to a torque value
of 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).
NOTE: If top bolt is removed, reinstall
using LOCTITE #242 thread sealant.
X
Figure 5-16: Blade Inspection
Figure 5-17
Figure 5-18: Blade spindle.
Replace if separation
begins to form.
Sharpen blade cutting edge straight
across, parallel to blade trailing edge.
FRONT
BLADES
MUST BE PERPENDICULAR
TO EACH OTHER
Torque to
35 Ft. Lbs.
Mower Blade
Washer
Bolt
Torque to
35 Ft. Lbs.