Poulan XC1182B User Manual - Page 16

MAINTENANCE TRACTOR Always observe safety rules when performing any maintenance. TIRES • Maintain proper air pressure in all tires (See "PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS" on page 3 of this manual). • 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. BLADE CARE For best results mower blades must be kept sharp. The blades can be sharpened with a file or on a grinding wheel. We suggest they be sharpened or replaced after every 25 hours of mowing. Check blades more often if mowing in sandy conditions. • Do not attempt to sharpen blades while they are on the mower. • Replace bent or damaged blades. BLADE REMOVAL (See FIG. 16) • Raise mower to highest position to allow access to blades. • Remove hex bolt, lockwasher and flat washer securing blade. • Install new or resharpened blade with trailing edge up towards deck as shown. • Reassemble hex bolt, lockwasher and flat washer in exact order as shown. • Tighten bolt securely (30-35 Ft. Lbs. torque). IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED. TO SHARPEN BLADE (See FIG. 17) Care should be taken to keep the blade balanced. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to mower and 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. CENTER HOLE 0 O 0 BLADE FIG. 17 BLADE • I MANDREL ASSEMBLY WASHER LOCKWASHER HEX BOLT GR. 5 A GRADE 5 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE IDENTIFIED BY THREE LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD AS OWN AT LEFT FIG. 16