Alamo SL60 - Manual (Page 120)

MAINTENANCE
SL60 03/07 Maintenance Section 5-4
© 2007 Alamo Group Inc.
MAINTENANCE
BLADE SERVICING
Inspect blades before each use to determine that they are properly installed and in good condition. Replace
any blade that is bent, excessively nicked, worn, or has any other damage. Small nicks can be ground out
when sharpening.
When sharpening blades, grind each blade the same amount to maintain balance. The
difference in blade weights should not exceed 1 ounce. Unbalanced blades will cause
excessive vibration which can damage spindle bearings. Vibration may also cause
structural cracks in the mower.
Use only original equipment blades on this mower. They are made of special heat-treated
alloy steel. Substitute blades may not meet specifications and may fail in a hazardous
manner that could cause injury.
BLADE SHARPENING
Always sharpen both blades at same time to maintain balance. Follow original sharpening pattern as shown in
Image 4. Always sharpen blades by grinding. DO NOT heat and pound out edge. Do not sharpen blade to a
razor edge, but leave a 1/16" blunt edge. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
Avoid personal injury. Always block the mower up to prevent if from falling when the
blades and/ or carrier are being serviced.
Avoid personal injury. Always wear safety glasses and face protection when grinding
blades. .
Replace bent or broken blades with new blades. NEVER ATTEMPT TO STRAIGHTEN,
WELD, OR WELD HARDFACING ON BLADES SINCE THIS WILL LIKELY CRACK OR
OTHERWISE DAMAGE THE BLADE WITH SUBSEQUENT FAILURE AND POSSIBLE
SERIOUS INJURY FROM THROWN BLADES.
(SGM-10)
IMAGE 4. Blade Maintenance