Commercial Walk-Behind Mower

• For best results, use only clean, fresh (less than 30 days old), unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher ((R+M)/2 rating method).

• Ethanol: Gasoline with up to 10% ethanol (gasohol) or 15% MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) by volume is acceptable. Ethanol and MTBE are not the same. Gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15) by volume is not approved for use. Never use gasoline that contains more than 10% ethanol by volume, such as E15 (contains 15% ethanol), E20 (contains 20% ethanol), or E85 (contains up to 85% ethanol). Using unapproved gasoline may cause performance problems and/or engine damage which may not be covered under warranty.

• Do not use gasoline containing methanol.

• Do not store fuel either in the fuel tank or fuel containers over the winter unless you use a fuel stabilizer.

• Do not add oil to gasoline.

Use a fuel stabilizer/conditioner in the machine to provide the following benefits:

• Keeps fuel fresh longer when used as directed by the fuel-stabilizer manufacturer

• Cleans the engine while it runs

• Eliminates gum-like varnish buildup in the fuel system, which causes hard starting

  Important: Do not use fuel additives containing methanol or ethanol.

  Add the correct amount of fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel.

  Note: A fuel stabilizer/conditioner is most effective when mixed with fresh fuel. To minimize the chance of varnish deposits in the fuel system, use fuel stabilizer at all times.

1. Park the machine on a level surface.

2. Engage the parking brake.

3. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

4. Clean around the fuel-tank cap.

5. Fill the fuel tank to the bottom of the filler neck.

   Note: Do not fill the fuel tank completely full. The empty space in the tank allows the fuel to expand.

1. Squeeze the drive levers (Figure 5).

   

   Figure 5

   1. Handle
   2. Neutral/parking-brake lock
   3. PARK position
   4. FULL SPEED FORWARD position
   5. Drive lever
   6. NEUTRAL position

2. Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks and move them forward in into the PARK position (Figure 5).

3. Disengage the drive levers.

1. Squeeze the drive levers rearward (Figure 5).

2. Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks and move them rearward until they are in the DRIVE position (Figure 5).

1. Squeeze the drive levers rearward (Figure 5).

2. Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks and move them rearward into the NEUTRAL-LOCK position (Figure 5).

1. Squeeze the drive levers rearward.

2. Place your thumbs on the upper part of the locks and move them forward until they are in the DRIVE position (Figure 5).

1. Squeeze the operator-presence control levers against the handles (Figure 7).

2. Push the blade-control (PTO) lever firmly forward until it latches over the center (Figure 7).

   Note: If you release the operator-presence control, start the engine and repeat this procedure to engage the mower blades.

   

   Figure 7

   1. Operator Presence Control (OPC) lever
   2. Power take-off lever (PTO)

Pull the blade-control lever (PTO) fully rearward (Figure 7).

Note: The engine shuts off if you release the operator-presence control with the blade-control lever engaged.

The safety-interlock system is designed to prevent the engine from starting unless:

• The PTO is disengaged.

• The machine is in the NEUTRAL position.

• The ignition key is in the RUN position.

The safety-interlock system is designed to shut off the engine when:

• The operator-presence control (OPC) levers are released when the transmission or the blades are engaged.

• The ignition key is turned to the OFF position.

• The machine is shifted into gear without holding the OPC levers.

• The blade-control lever (PTO) is engaged without holding the OPC levers.

Test the safety-interlock system each time before you use the machine. If the safety system does not operate as described, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately.

1. Engage the parking brakes, move the shift lever to the NEUTRAL position, disengage the PTO, and move the throttle forward.

2. Start the engine.

3. Without holding the operator-presence control (OPC) levers, engage the blade-control lever (PTO).

   The engine should shut off.

4. Disengage the blade-control lever (PTO).

5. With the engine running, hold down the OPC levers and engage the the blade-control lever (PTO).

   The mower belt should engage and the mower blades should rotate.

6. Release the OPC levers.

   The engine should shut off.

7. With the engine running, move the shift lever into gear and release the OPC levers.

   The engine should shut off.

8. With the engine running, turn the ignition key to the OFF position.

   The engine should shut off.

9. If all the above conditions are not met, have an Authorized Service Dealer repair the safety system immediately.

1. Engage the parking brakes.

2. Squeeze the OPC levers against the handles.

3. Move the shift lever into a forward gear.

4. Disengage the parking brakes.

5. Slowly release the drive levers.

   To go straight, release the drive levers equally. To turn, squeeze the drive lever on the same side as the direction you want to turn.

1. Engage the parking brakes.

2. Squeeze the OPC levers against the handles.

3. Move the shift lever into the reverse gear.

4. Disengage the parking brakes.

5. Slowly release the drive levers.

   Note: You must pull the mower backward to assist its rearward movement.

This is the full rear position. The suggested use for this position is as follows:

• Short, light grass mowing conditions

• Dry conditions

• Smaller grass clippings

• Propels grass clippings farther away from the mower

Figure 9

Use this position when bagging.

Figure 10

This is the full open position. The suggested use for this position is as follows:

• Tall, dense grass mowing conditions

• Wet conditions

• Lowers the engine-power consumption

• Allows increased ground speed in heavy conditions

Figure 11

Adjust the blades by using the 4 spacers (6 mm or 1/4 inch) on the blade spindle bolts. This allows for a 25 mm (1 inch) adjustment range, in 6 mm (1/4 inch) increments, of cutting height in any axle position. Use the same number of blade spacers on all the blades to achieve a level cut (for example, 2 above and 2 below, 1 above and 3 below, etc.).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Hold the blade bolt and remove the nut (Figure 12).

   

   Figure 12

   1. Blade
   2. Blade bolt
   3. Curved washer
   4. Spacer
   5. Thin washer
   6. Nut

4. Remove the blade bolt from the spindle and change the spacers as needed (Figure 12).

5. Install the blade bolt, curved washer, and extra spacers, and secure them with a thin washer and a nut (Figure 12).

6. Torque the blade bolt to 101 to 108 N∙m (75 to 80 ft-lb).

Adjust the axle position to the selected height-of-cut setting. Refer to the Height-of-Cut Chart.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen, but do not remove, the 2 axle-pivot bolts and 2 axle-adjustment bolts (Figure 13).

   

   Figure 13

   1. Axle-pivot bolt
   2. Axle-adjustment bolt

4. Place a jack under the rear center of the engine frame. Raise the rear end of the engine frame up enough to remove the front 2 axle-adjustment bolts (Figure 13).

   Note: Use jack stands to support the machine.

5. Raise or lower the engine frame with the jack so that you can install the front 2 axle-adjustment bolts in the desired hole location (Figure 13).

   Note: Use a tapered punch to help align the holes.

6. Tighten all 4 bolts and lower the machine.

7. Adjust the control rods and brake linkages as required; refer to Adjusting the Control Rods and Adjusting the Parking Brake.

   Important: You must adjust the control rods and brake linkage when you change the axle positions for proper traction and brake function.

1. Using the Height-of-Cut Chart, adjust the caster spacers to match with the axle hole selected (Figure 14).

   

   Figure 14

   1. Latch pin
   2. Spacer (5 mm or 3/16 inch)
   3. Spacer (13 mm or 1/2 inch)

2. Remove the latch pin, slide the caster from the support, and change the spacers (Figure 14).

3. Install the caster in the support and insert the latch pin (Figure 14).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean the area around the air cleaner to prevent dirt from entering the engine and causing damage (Figure 20).

4. Unscrew the cover knobs and remove the air-cleaner cover (Figure 20).

5. Unscrew the hose clamp and remove the air-cleaner assembly (Figure 20).

6. Carefully pull the foam element off the paper element (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Cover
   2. Hose clamp
   3. Paper element
   4. Foam element

1. Wash the foam element in liquid soap and warm water. When the element is clean, rinse it thoroughly.

2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth.

   Important: Replace the foam element if it is torn or worn.

Important: Do not clean the paper filter, replace it (Figure 20).

1. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, or damage to the rubber seal.

2. Replace the paper element if it is damaged.

Important: To prevent engine damage, always operate the engine with the complete foam and paper air-cleaner assembly installed.

1. Carefully slide the foam element on to the paper air-cleaner element (Figure 20).

2. Place the air-cleaner assembly onto the air cleaner base and secure it with the 2 wing nuts (Figure 20).

3. Place the air-cleaner cover into position and tighten the cover knob (Figure 20).

Engine-Oil Type: Detergent oil (API service SF, SG, SH, SJ, or SL)

Crankcase Capacity: 1.7 L (58 oz) with the filter removed; 1.5 L (51 oz) without the filter removed

Viscosity: Refer to the table (Figure 21).

Figure 21

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean around the oil dipstick (Figure 22) so that dirt cannot fall into the filler hole and damage the engine.

   

   Figure 22

   1. Oil dipstick
   2. Filler tube

4. Unscrew the oil dipstick and wipe the end clean (Figure 22).

5. Slide the oil dipstick into the filler tube fully, but do not thread it onto the tube (Figure 22).

6. Pull the dipstick out and look at the end. If the oil level is low, slowly pour enough oil into the filler tube to raise the level to the Full mark.

   Important: Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and run the engine, as this can damage the engine.

1. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes.

2. Park the machine so that the drain side is slightly lower than the opposite side, to ensure that the oil drains completely.

3. Disengage the PTO and engage the parking brake.

4. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

5. Slide the drain hose over the oil-drain valve.

6. Place a drain pan below the drain hose.

7. Rotate the oil-drain valve to allow the oil to drain (Figure 23).

8. After the oil drains completely, close the drain valve.

9. Remove the drain hose (Figure 23).

   Note: Dispose the used oil at a recycling center.

   

   Figure 23

   1. Oil-drain valve
   2. Oil-drain hose

10. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube (Figure 22).

11. Check the engine-oil level.

12. Slowly add the additional oil to bring it to the Full mark.

Note: Change the engine-oil filter more frequently when the operating conditions are extremely dusty or sandy.

1. Drain the oil from the engine.

2. Remove the old filter (Figure 24).

   

   Figure 24

   1. Engine-oil filter
   2. Adapter

3. Apply a thin coat of new oil to the rubber gasket on the replacement filter (Figure 24).

4. Install the replacement oil filter to the filter adapter, turn the oil filter clockwise until the rubber gasket contacts the filter adapter, and tighten the filter an additional 3/4 turn (Figure 24).

5. Fill the crankcase with the proper type of new oil.

6. Run the engine for approximately 3 minutes, shut off the engine, and check for oil leaks around the oil filter and drain valve.

7. Check the engine-oil level and add oil, if needed.

8. Wipe up any spilled oil.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Disconnect the spark-plug wires (Figure 25).

   

   Figure 25

   1. Spark plug

4. Clean around the spark plugs to prevent dirt from entering the engine and potentially causing damage.

5. Remove the spark plugs and the washers.

1. Look at the center of the spark plugs (Figure 26).

   Note: If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is operating properly. A black coating on the insulator usually means that the air cleaner is dirty.

2. If needed, clean the spark plug with a wire brush to remove carbon deposits.

   

   Figure 26

   1. Side electrode
   2. Center electrode insulator
   3. Air gap (not to scale)

   Important: Always replace the spark plugs when it has worn electrodes, an oily film on it, or has cracks in the porcelain.

3. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes (Figure 26).

   Note: Bend the side electrode (Figure 26) if the gap is not correct.

1. Install the spark plugs and the metal washer. Ensure that the air gap is set correctly.

2. Tighten the spark plugs to 22 N∙m (16 ft-lb).

3. Install the spark-plug wire (Figure 26).

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Close the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 27).

4. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamp together and slide it up the fuel line away from the fuel filter (Figure 27).

5. Pull the fuel line off the fuel filter (Figure 27).

6. Open the fuel-shutoff valve and allow the fuel to drain into a fuel container or drain pan.

   Note: Now is the best time to install a new fuel filter, because the fuel tank is empty; refer to Replacing the Fuel Filter.

7. Install the fuel line to the fuel filter.

   Slide the hose clamp close to the valve to secure the fuel line.

   

   Figure 27

   1. Fuel filter
   2. Clamp
   3. Fuel-shutoff valve

8. Wipe up any spilled fuel.

Important: Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Close the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 27).

4. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter (Figure 28).

   

   Figure 28

   1. Fuel filter
   2. Hose clamp
   3. Fuel line

5. Remove the filter from the fuel lines.

6. Install a new filter and move the hose clamps close to the filter.

7. Open the fuel-shutoff valve at the fuel tank (Figure 27).

8. Check for fuel leaks and repair, if needed.

9. Wipe up any spilled fuel.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the existing fuel-vent filter (Figure 29).

4. Install a new fuel-vent filter.

   

   Figure 29

   1. Fuel-vent filter
   2. Right side of the engine

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Remove the black rubber cover from the negative cable and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative (-) battery terminal (Figure 30).

4. Slide the red terminal boot off the positive (+) battery terminal, and remove the positive battery cable (Figure 30).

5. Remove the battery hold-down plate (Figure 30) and remove the battery.

1. Place the battery in the machine (Figure 30).

2. Secure the battery with the hold-down plate, j-bolts, and locknuts (Figure 30).

3. Install the positive (red) battery cable to positive (+) battery terminal with a nut, washer, and bolt (Figure 30).

4. Slide the rubber cover over the post.

5. Install the negative battery cable and ground wire to the negative (-) battery terminal with a nut, washer, and bolt (Figure 30).

6. Slide the rubber cover over the post.

   

   Figure 30

   1. J-bolt
   2. Positive battery cable
   3. Washer
   4. Nut (5/16 inch)
   5. Positive (red) rubber cover
   6. Battery hold-down
   7. Wing nut
   8. Negative battery cable
   9. Negative (blacker) rubber cover
   10. Bolt
   11. Battery

1. Look at the side of the battery. The electrolyte must be at the upper line (Figure 31).

   Do not allow the electrolyte to fall below the lower line (Figure 31).

   

   Figure 31

   1. Vent caps
   2. Upper line
   3. Lower line

2. If the electrolyte is low, add the required amount of distilled water; refer to Adding Water to the Battery.

The best time to add distilled water to the battery is just before you operate the machine. This lets the water mix thoroughly with the electrolyte solution.

1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to Removing the Battery.

   Important: Never fill the battery with distilled water while the battery is installed in the machine. Electrolyte could be spilled on other parts and cause corrosion.

2. Clean the top of the battery with a paper towel.

3. Remove the vent caps from the battery (Figure 31).

4. Slowly pour distilled water into each battery cell until the electrolyte level is up to the upper line (Figure 31) on the battery case.

   Important: Do not overfill the battery because electrolyte (sulfuric acid) can cause severe corrosion and damage to the machine.

5. Wait for 5 to 10 minutes after filling the battery cells.

6. Add distilled water, if necessary, until the electrolyte level is up to the upper line (Figure 31) on the battery case.

7. Install the battery vent caps.

Important: Always keep the battery fully charged (1.260 specific gravity). This is especially important to prevent battery damage when the temperature is below 0°C (32°F).

1. Remove the battery from the machine; refer to Removing the Battery.

2. Check the electrolyte level; refer to Checking the Battery Electrolyte Level.

3. Ensure that the filler caps are installed.

4. Connect a 3 to 4 A battery charger to the battery posts. Charge the battery at a rate of 3 to 4 A for 4 to 8 hours (12 V).

   Note: Do not overcharge the battery.

5. When the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger from the electrical outlet, and disconnect the charger leads from the battery posts (Figure 32).

6. Install the battery; refer to Installing the Battery.

   

   Figure 32

   1. Positive battery post
   2. Negative battery post
   3. Red (+) charger lead
   4. Black (-) charger lead

If you are storing the machine for more than 30 days, remove the battery and charge it fully. Either store it on the shelf or on the machine. Leave the cables disconnected if it is stored on the machine. Store the battery in a cool atmosphere to avoid quick deterioration of the charge in the battery. To prevent the battery from freezing, make sure that it is fully charged.

1. Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the PTO.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Engage the parking brake.

   Note: The wheels must lock when you try to push the machine forward.

4. If the wheels do not lock, adjust the brakes; refer to Adjusting the Parking Brake.

5. Disengage the brakes and move the neutral/brake locks to the NEUTRAL position.

   Note: The wheels should rotate freely. If not, refer to Adjusting the Parking Brake.

If the parking brakes do not hold securely, adjust them.

1. Check the brakes before you adjust them; refer to Checking the Parking Brake.

2. Disengage the parking brakes.

3. To adjust the brakes, rotate the wing nuts on the brake rods (Figure 35).

   Rotate the wing nuts clockwise to tighten the brakes; rotate them counterclockwise to loosen them.

   

   Figure 35

   1. Brake rod
   2. Wing nut

4. Position the wing nuts so that the brakes engage when you squeeze the drive levers enough to place the neutral/parking brake locks forward, and engage the brakes.

5. Check the operation of the brakes; refer to Checking the Parking Brake.

   Important: When you disengage the parking brakes, the rear wheels should rotate freely when you push the machine. If they do not, contact an Authorized Service Dealer immediately.

6. Check the control rod length, refer to Adjusting the Control Rods.

Important: Adjust the brake whenever you adjust the belt tension or brake linkage.

Important: The belt must be tight enough to not slip during heavy loads, while cutting grass. Over-tensioning the belt reduces the life of the spindle bearing, belt, and idler pulley.

The belt must be tight enough so that it does not slip during heavy loads while cutting grass, and over-tensioning will reduce belt and spindle bearing life.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the locknut on the turnbuckle (Figure 42).

4. Adjust the tension of the belt.

   • Rotate the turnbuckle toward the rear of the machine to increase the tension on the belt.

   • Rotate the turnbuckle toward the front of the machine to decrease the tension on the belt (Figure 42).

   Note: The eyebolt threads on both ends of the turnbuckle should be engaged a minimum of 8 mm (5/16 inch).

5. Engage the PTO and check the belt tension.

   Adjust the tension until it is correct.

   Note: The proper mower belt tension is 44 to 67 N∙m (10 to 15 ft-lb) with the belt deflected 13 mm (1/2 inch) halfway between the pulleys (Figure 42).

   

   Figure 42

   32-inch and 36-inch mower deck shown

   1. Mower belt with 13 mm (1/2 inch) deflection
   2. Idler pulley

6. Tighten the locknut on the turnbuckle.

7. Check the adjustment of the blade brake; refer to Adjusting the Blade Brake.

Important: Adjust the brake whenever you adjust the belt tension or brake linkage.

Important: The belt must be tight enough to not slip during heavy loads, while cutting grass. Over-tensioning the belt reduces the life of the spindle bearing, belt, and idler pulley.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Loosen the locknut on the turnbuckle (Figure 44).

4. Adjust the tension of the belt.

   • Rotate the turnbuckle toward the rear of the machine to increase the tension on the belt.

   • Rotate the turnbuckle toward the front of the machine to decrease the tension on the belt (Figure 43).

   Note: The eyebolt threads on both ends of the turnbuckle should be engaged a minimum of 8 mm (5/16 inch).

   

   Figure 43

   48-inch mower deck shown

   1. Idler pulley
   2. Mower belt with 13 mm (1/2 inch) deflection
   

   Figure 44

   1. 13 mm (1/2 inch) deflection here
   2. Assist arm
   3. Front stop
   4. Locknut
   5. Turnbuckle

5. Engage the PTO and check the belt tension.

   Adjust the tension until it is correct.

   Note: The proper mower belt tension is 44 to 67 N∙m (10 to 15 ft-lb) with the belt deflected 13 mm (1/2 inch) halfway between the pulleys (Figure 43).

6. If there is no adjustment remaining in the turnbuckle and the belt is still loose, the rear idler pulley needs to be positioned to the middle or front hole (Figure 45). Use the hole that provides the correct adjustment.

7. When you move the idler pulley, you must move the belt guide. Move the belt guide to the front position (Figure 45).

   

   Figure 45

   1. Rear idler pulley
   2. Middle hole
   3. Front hole
   4. Belt guide in the back position
   5. Front idler pulley

8. Check the belt guide under the engine frame for proper adjustment (Figure 46).

   Note: The distance between the belt guide and the mower belt should be 19 mm (3/4 inch) when you engage the mower belt (Figure 46). Adjust the mower belt as necessary. The disengaged belt should not drag or fall off the pulley when the guides and belt tension are properly adjusted.

9. Check the adjustment of the blade brake; refer to Adjusting the Blade Brake.

   

   Figure 46

   1. Idler pulley in the slot
   2. Traction belt
   3. Mower belt
   4. Belt guide
   5. 19 mm (3/4 inch)
   6. Mower belt

The adjustment for the PTO-engagement linkage is located beneath the front, left corner of the engine deck.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Engage PTO.

4. Adjust the linkage length to where the lower end of the bellcrank just clears the axle-support gusset (Figure 47).

   

   Figure 47

   1. Bellcrank
   2. Safety switch located under the engine deck
   3. Bellcrank just clears the gusset with the PTO engaged
   4. Yoke
   5. Nut
   6. Assist-arm link

5. Ensure that the assist arm is against the rear assist-arm stop on the deck (Figure 48).

6. Disengage the PTO.

7. The assist arm should contact the front assist-arm stop on the deck. If it does not contact, adjust the bellcrank so that it is closer to the gusset (Figure 48).

   

   Figure 48

   1. Yoke
   2. Nut
   3. Rear assist-arm stop
   4. Front assist-arm stop
   5. Assist-arm link
   6. Assist arm
   7. Turnbuckle

8. To adjust the assist-arm link, remove the hairpin cotter from the assist arm (Figure 48).

9. Loosen the nut against the yoke (Figure 47).

10. Remove the assist-arm link from the assist arm and rotate the link to adjust the length.

11. Install the assist-arm link into the assist arm and secure it with the hairpin cotter (Figure 48).

12. Check if the assist arm hits against the stops correctly.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Ensure that the assist arm is against the front assist-arm stop.

4. If needed, adjust the PTO-safety switch by loosening the bolts securing the switch bracket (Figure 49).

5. Move the mounting bracket until the bellcrank presses the plunger by 6 mm (1/4 inch).

   Important: Ensure that the bellcrank does not touch the switch body; otherwise, damage to the switch could occur (Figure 49).

   

   Figure 49

   1. Bellcrank
   2. Bolts and nuts
   3. Switch-mounting bracket
   4. Switch body

6. Tighten the switch-mounting bracket.

1. Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the PTO, and engage the parking brake.

2. Shut off the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark-plug wires from the spark plugs.

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 52).

2. If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blade; refer to Sharpening the Blades.

3. Inspect the blades, especially in the curved area.

4. If you notice any cracks, wear, or a slot forming in this area, immediately install a new blade (Figure 52).

   

   Figure 52

   1. Cutting edge
   2. Curved area
   3. Wear/slot forming
   4. Crack

1. Rotate the blades until the ends face forward and backward (Figure 53).

   

   Figure 53

   

   Figure 54

2. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge, position A, of the blades (Figure 55).

   Note: Note this dimension.

   

   Figure 55

   1. Measure from the cutting edge to a level surface.

3. Rotate the opposite ends of the blades forward.

4. Measure from a level surface to the cutting edge of the blades at the same position as in step 1.

   Note: The difference between the dimensions obtained in steps 1 and 2 must not exceed 3 mm (1/8 inch). If this dimension exceeds 3 mm (1/8 inch), the blade is bent and must be replaced; refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

Replace the blades if you hit a solid object or if the blades are out of balance or bent. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Toro replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in non-conformance with safety standards.

1. Hold the blade bolt with a wrench.

2. Remove the nut, blade bolt, curved washer, blade, spacers, and thin washer from the spindle (Figure 56).

   

   Figure 56

   1. Blade
   2. Blade bolt
   3. Curved washer
   4. Spacer
   5. Thin washer
   6. Nut

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 57).

   Note: Maintain the original angle.

   Note: The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

   

   Figure 57

   1. Sharpen at original angle.

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 58).

   Note: If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used.

   Note: If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 57).

   

   Figure 58

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

3. Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

1. Install the curved washer and then the blade onto the bolt. Select the proper number of spacer(s) for the height of cut, and slide the bolt into the spindle (Figure 56).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must point upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper cutting.

2. Install the remaining spacer(s) and secure them with a thin washer and a nut (Figure 56).

3. Torque the blade bolt to 101 to 108 N∙m (75 to 80 ft-lb).