Yard Machines 540 User Manual

Page 16

• Clean the engine periodically. Remove dirt and debris with a cloth or brush. We do not recommend using a

garden hose to clean mower unless the muffler, air filter and the carburetor are covered to keep water out.
Water in engine can shorten engine life.

• Clean the spark plug and reset the gap to .030” at least once a season or every 50 hours of operation. Spark

plug replacement is recommended at the start of each season. Refer to the engine manual for correct spark
plug type.

• Inspect muffler periodically, and replace if necessary. Damaged mufflers or spark arresters can create a fire

hazard. Make sure to avoid muffler and surrounding areas while the mower engine is hot because

temperature of these areas of the engine may exceed 150

SECTION 9: SERVICE & ADJUSTMENTS

Blade Care

Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary.

WARNING:

When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect hands by using

heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.

• Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug.
• Turn mower on its side making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are up.

To Remove Blade

• Remove the bolt and blade bell support which hold the blade and adapter to the engine crankshaft. See

Figure 16A.

• Remove the blade and adapter from the crankshaft.

To Replace Blade:

• Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner

surface of the blade adapter with light oil.

• Install the blade adapter on the crankshaft with the “star” away from the engine. See Figure 16A.

FIGURE 16

• Place the new blade with the side marked bottom (or with part number) facing away from the adapter.
• Place the bell support next. Make sure to align the tabs in the holes of the blade with the hole in the bell

support.

• Insert the hex bolt through the blade assembly. Figure 16A shows the correct order of assembly.
• Use block of wood to hold blade again while you tighten the bolt clockwise. Follow the recommended torque

for the bolt which is 450-600 in.-lbs.

Blade

Blade Bell
Support

Hex Bolt

Single-Bolt
Blade

Crankshaft

1. Insert screw driver through hole

2. Blade should be parallel to ground

Screw

Driver

Ground

Blade

Adapter