Craftsman 944.369060 Manuel Du Propriétaire page 11

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 (See Fig. 8)
• 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.
• Remove blade bolt by turning counter-clockwise.
• 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. 8)
• Position the blade adapter on the engine crankshaft. Be
sure key in adapter and crankshaft keyway 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 of blade (opposite sharp 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.
BLADE
ADAPTER
KEY
BLADE
BLADE
BOLT
HARDENED
WASHER
LOCK
WASHER
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharpening blade - but if you
do, be sure the blade is balanced.
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
(If purchased as an accessory)
• 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.
11
CRANK-
SHAFT
KEYWAY
CRANK-
SHAFT
TRAILING
EDGE BLADE
ADAPTER
FIG. 8