36
3
4
2
1
5
6
m–6582
Figure 47
1.
Handle
2.
Neutral/Parking brake
lock
3.
3/16 inch to 1/4 inch
(5 mm to 6 mm)
clearance
4.
Drive lever
5.
Drive position slot
6.
Control Rod
Servicing the Cutting Blades
To ensure a superior quality of cut, keep the blades sharp.
For convenient sharpening and replacement, you may want
to keep extra blades on hand.
A worn or damaged blade can break, and a piece
of the blade could be thrown into the operator’s or
bystander’s area, resulting in serious personal
injury or death.
•
Inspect the blade periodically for wear or
damage.
•
Replace a worn or damaged blade.
Warning
Before Inspecting or Servicing the Blades
Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade
control bail and set the parking brake. Turn the ignition key
to off. Remove the key and disconnect the spark plug
wire(s) from the spark plug(s).
Inspecting the Blades
1. Inspect the cutting edges (Fig 48). If the edges are not
sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades.
Refer to Sharpening the Blades on page 37.
2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area (Fig. 48).
If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this
area (item 3 in Fig. 48), immediately install a new
blade.
1
2
3
m–151
Figure 48
1.
Cutting Edge
2.
Curved Area
3.
Wear/slot Forming
Checking for Bent Blades
1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and
backward (Fig. 49). Measure from a level surface to the
cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Fig. 50). Note
this dimension.
Front
m–1078
A
A
A
Figure 49
MEASURE FROM
CUTTING EDGE TO A
LEVEL SURFACE
m–2539
Figure 50
2. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.
