Sears EZ3 917.38713 - Manual (Page 12)

CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing any mainte­
nance.
TIRES
» Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemi­
cals which can harm rubber.
“ Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace
bent or damaged blades.
TO REMOVE BLADE (Se.e Fig. 9)
“ Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place
wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug.
• Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and
carburetor are up..
" Use a wood block between blade and mower housing
to prevent blade from turning when removing blade
bolt.
“ Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with
heavy cloth..
o Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise, Use
a 9/16" box or open-end wrench.
“ Remove blade and attaching hardware (bolt, lock
washer and hardened washer).
NOTE: Remove the blade adapter and check the key
inside hub of blade adapter. The key must be in good
condition to work properly. Replace adapter if damaged.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 9)
0
Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft.
Be sure key in adapter and keyway in crankshaft are
aligned.
■> Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2)
holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter.
" Be sure the trailing edge is up toward the engine,
• Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened
washer into blade adapter and crankshaft.
“ Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower
housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise.
» The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.
IMPORTANT; BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED
NOTE: We do not r ecommend sharpening blade - but if you
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
TO SHARPEN BLADE
Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An
unbalanced blade will cause eventual damage to lawn
mower or engine.
“ The blade can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding
wheel. Do not attempt to sharpen while on the mower.
" Tocheck blade balance, drive a nail into a beam or wall.
Leave about one inch of the straight nail exposed.
Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail, if
blade is balanced, it should remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of the blade moves downward,
sharpen the heavy end until the blade is balanced.
GRASS CATCHER
<• The grass catcher may be hosed with water, but must
be dry when used.
* Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterio­
ration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with a manufacturer
approved replacement catcher. Give the lawn mower
model number when ordering.
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