Craftsman 107.289860 - Manual (Page 24)

CLEAN DECK &
CHECK / REPLACE MOWER BLADES
Service Interval: 25 hours or as required.
A
WARNING
For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp
mower blades with bare hands. Careless or
improper handling of blades may result in serious
injury.
A
WARNING
For your personal safety, blade mounting
capscrews must each be installed with two spring
washers or a hex washer and spring washer, then
securely tightened. Torque blade mounting nut to
80-90 ft-lbs (108-122 Nm).
1. Remove mower deck (see “Mower Deck Removal” in
the OPERATION section).
2. Remove blade to inspect it or to safely access the
underside of the mower deck (see Figure 23). Use a
block of wood to prevent blade rotation while loosen­
ing the capscrew by turning it counterclockwise.
3. Remove the nut (C, Figure 24), spring washers (B),
and blade.
4. Clean the underside of the mower deck.
5. Inspect the blades for nicks or dull edges. Use a file
to sharpen blade to a fine edge. If the blade is dam­
aged, it must be replaced.
6. Balance the blade as shown in Figure 25. Center the
blade’s hole on a nail lubricated with a drop of oil. A
balanced blade will remain level. If the blade is not
balanced, continue to sharpen the heavy side until it
balances.
7.
8 .
Reinstall the blade with the lift wings (D, Figure 24)
pointing up toward the mower deck as shown.
Reinstall the spring washers (B, Figure 24) and nut
(C). Use a wooden block (A) to prevent blade rotation
while tightening the nut (C) to 80-90 ft-lbs (108-122
Nm).
LOOSEN
Figure 23. Blade Removal
A. 4x4 Wood Block
B. Spring Washers
C. Blade Nut
D. Lift Wings
Figure 25. Balancing The Blade
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