Maintenance Instructions
CHECKING/SERVICING
55
4.
If the blade cutting edge is dull or nicked, it
should be sharpened. Remove blades for
sharpening by grasping the end of the blade
using a rag or a thick, padded glove, while loos-
ening and removing the nut, lock washer, and
flat washer that mounts the blade.
5.
Grind cutting edge at the same bevel as the
original. Sharpen only the top of the cutting
edge to maintain sharpness.
NOTE: Blades can be sharpened with an elec-
tric blade sharpener, conventional electric
grinder, or a hand file.
6.
Check blade balance by positioning the blade
horizontally on a blade balancer or use a nail or
shaft through the center hole. If either end of the
blade rotates downward, grind (remove) metal
on that end until the blade will balance. The
blade is properly balanced when neither end
drops. Balance of a blade is generally main-
tained by removing an equal amount of material
from each end of the blade when sharpening.
Mower Blade Profile For Sharpening
Blade Balanced on Magnetic
Wall-Mounted Balancer
7.
Mount the blade with wing tips pointing up into
the housing. Reinstall the blade, washer, lock
washer, and nut. Tighten the nut to 60 ft-lb
(81.3 N
·
m).
NOTE: When reinstalling blades on GHS models,
remember, the blades turn toward each other
(counter-rotate) and the RH and LH blade cannot be
switched. Check for proper blade rotation before
installing blades on the deck. Refer to Blade Rota-
tion for GHS Mower Deck illustration shown in
Clogging Checklist in
Operating Instructions
for
correct blade rotation.
WARNING
DO NOT try to straighten a blade that is
bent. NEVER weld a broken or cracked
blade. ALWAYS replace with a new blade
to assure safety.
CAUTION
ALWAYS wear eye protection and gloves
when sharpening a blade.
Wing Tip
Do Not Grind or
Sharpen on Underside
30°
Sharpen at Original
30° Angle
Intersection
Wear Area
Blade Balancer
Summary of Contents for MS (13 HP)
Page 70: ...66 Operator s Notes...
