112479_0510 4-3
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position,
place steering control levers in the park brake position and turn
key to OFF position and remove key from switch. Block up
mower when you must work under it. Wear gloves when
handling blades. Always check for blade damage if mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign objects during mowing!
Mower blade removal
Use a 3/4” wrench or socket to remove the 1/2” cap screw
holding the blade to the motor shaft from underneath. It may be
necessary to use a 1-1/4” wrench to keep the blade adapter from
turning while removing blade cap screw. Fig. 4-6
NOTE: The blade adapter will come off when the blade cap
screw is removed.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown
(Fig. 4-3). Touch-up sharpening can be done with a file.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A
commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware
supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on
an inverted line punch or 1/2” bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt.
Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out
of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Fig. 4-4 and Fig. 4-5). Replace any distorted blade.
Mower blade installation
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
undercut threads.
Make sure that the blade adapter is seated properly on the
blade motor shaft before tightening the blade cap screw. Use a 3/
4” socket with a torque wrench to re-attach the blade to the
motor shaft from underneath. It will be necessary to use a 1-1/4”
wrench to keep the blade adapter from turning. Torque cap
screws on motor shafts to 50 foot-pounds (67.8 Nm) when
reinstalling blades. Fig. 4-6
IMPORTANT: The blade sail (curved part) must be point-
ing upward toward the inside of the deck to ensure proper cut-
ting.
IMPORTANT: When mounting blades, rotate them after
installation to ensure blade tips do not touch each other or sides
of the mower.
WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt may
result in the loss of the blade which can cause serious
injury.
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut.
Wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing
them.
Fig. 4-2
Upper
control
lever
Lower
control
lever
Cap screw
Fig. 4-3
Fig. 4-4