Craftsman 138.37097 Operator's Manual page 13

MAINTENANCE
■ Using a fine-tooth file or stone, sharpen cutting
edges on both ends of the blade, removing equal
amounts of material from both ends.
BALANCING THE BLADE
See Figure 18.
When sharpening, care should be taken to keep the
blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause
excessive vibration. 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 driven
into the side of a work bench 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.
STORING THE MOWER
■ Disconnect the mower from the power supply.
■ Turn mower on its side and clean grass clippings
that have accumulated on the underside of the mower
deck.
■ Wipe the mower clean with a dry cloth.
■ Check all nuts, bolts, knobs, screws, fasteners, etc.,
for tightness.
■ Inspect moving parts for damage, breakage, and
wear. Have repairs made on any damaged or missing
parts.
■ Store mower indoors in a clean, dry place out of the
reach of children.
■ Do not store near corrosive materials such as
fertilizer or rock salt.
To lower the handle before storing:
■ Lift up the cam locks on the sides of the handle to
unlock, and fold the upper handle down.
■ Loosen the handle knobs, pull inwards on each
side of the lower handle, and lift the sides of the
lower handle past the edges of the handle mounting
brackets. Fold the lower handle forward. Make sure
not to bend or kink the power cord.
13 — English