23
MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE
See ‘Filling with engine oil’. Do not overfill.
Start the engine and allow it to run briefly.
Stop the engine, wait one minute and check the oil level. Top up if necessary.
Replacing the cutting blade (Fig. Q)
WARNING! USE GLOVES.
Before you remove the grass collection bag, stop the engine and wait until the blade has
come to a complete stop.
You will need garden gloves (not provided) and a spanner wrench to remove the blade.
Always handle the blade with care - sharp edges can cause injury.
Do not hold the blade with bare hands.
Renew your blade after 36 hours of mowing or after 2 years, whichever comes first, regardless
of condition.
Regularly check your blade. If the cut of your grass is poor, the blade might be blunt.
Damaged blades not only result in a bad cut, they cause excessive vibration and
uneconomical running of the engine. If the blade has worn excessively and become pitted
and blunt, it should be replaced or sharpened.
Tip the machine slightly towards the oil filler pipe and reach under the deck.
Hold the blade and unscrew the blade bolt counterclockwise using a spanner wrench.
Remove the washer and the blade.
Inspect the blade adaptor for any signs of damage.
Fit a new blade, position the blade on the two studs on the blade flange and then replace the
washer and bolts.
Check the washer is still slightly domed to keep the pressure on the bolt to stop it unwinding,
keeping the blade secure. Then replace the washer (right way round!) and bolts.
Make sure the blade is correctly positioned and then firmly tighten the bolt. Do not over
tighten. The up turn of the blade must project into the motor compartment.
