Husqvarna HU700F Owners Manual - Page 11

MAINTENANCE LAWN MOWER Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. BLADE ADAPTER BLADE KEY CRANKSHAFT KEYWAY TIRES • Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chemicals which can harm rubber. • Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and other hazards that may cause tire damage. LOCK WASHER DRIVE WHEELS Check rear drive wheels each time you mow to be sure they move freely. The wheels not turning freely means trash, grass cuttings, etc., may be inside the drive wheel and dust cover area and must be cleaned out to free drive wheels. BLADE HARDENED BOLT WASHER TRAILING EDGE CRANKSHAFT FIG. 13 BELT RETAINER If necessary to clean drive wheels, check both rear wheels. BLADE CARE TO SHARPEN BLADE NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you do, be sure the blade is balanced. For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Replace bent or damaged blades. CAUTION: Use only a replacement blade approved by the manufacturer of your mower. Using a blade not approved by the manufacturer of your mower is hazardous, could damage your mower and void your warranty. TO REMOVE BLADE (See Fig. 13) 1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with plug. 2. Turn lawn mower on its side. Make sure air filter and carburetor are up. 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. • To check 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. 3. Use a wood block between blade and mower housing to prevent blade from turning when removing blade bolt. NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade with heavy cloth. 4. Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise. 5. Removebladeandattachinghardware(bolt,lockwasher and hardened washer). • Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher needs replacing, replace only with approved replacement catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of this manual. Give the lawn mower model number when ordering. GEAR CASE 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. 13) 1. Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway are aligned. 2. Position blade on the blade adapter aligning the two (2) holes in the blade with the raised lugs on the adapter. 3. Be sure the trailing edge of blade (opposite sharp edge) is up toward the engine. 4. Install the blade bolt with the lock washer and hardened washer into blade adapter and crankshaft. 5. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower housing and tighten the blade bolt, turning clockwise. • To keep your drive system working properly, the gear case and area around the drive should be kept clean and free of trash build-up. Clean under the drive cover twice a season. • The gear case is filled with lubricant to the proper level at the factory. The only time the lubricant needs attention is if service has been performed on the gear case. ENGINE Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the emission control devices and systems, which are being done at the customers expense, may be performed by any non-road engine repair establishment or individual. Warranty repairs must be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet. • The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs. IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS HEAT TREATED. IF BOLT NEEDS REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITH APPROVED BOLT SHOWN IN THE REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL. 11