Troy-Bilt 31/2 HP - Manual (Page 40)

MAINTENANCE
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To remove a damaged blade:
1. If you’re replacing a ledger plate, remove the cut­
ter bar assembly from the mower. If you’re replacing a
blade section, proceed to Step 2.
2. Remove the cutter blade assembly from the cutter
bar assembly.
3. File, grind, or saw off the rounded heads of the
two rivets that attach the damaged blade section to
the bar.
Photo 5-44: Tightening an individuai blade section.
6. Check the blade section for tightness. Repeat
Steps 3, 4, and 5 if necessary.
7. If the blade section is still loose, try tightening the
second rivet that attaches the blade section to the
bar.
8. If the blade section cannot be tightened by foilow-
ing this instruction, the loose blade section and rivets
should be replaced with new ones.
A CAUTION
If you’re using a grinding wheel to remove the
rivets, wear safety glasses or goggles to protect
your eyes.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or
property damage.
/
Replacing an Individual Blade Section or
Ledger Plate
NOTES
• A "ledger plate’’ is a single "knife” blade on
the ledger bar (the lower stationary bar).
• A “blade section” is a single “knife” blade on
the cutter bar assembly (the upper bar that
oscillates when you engage the Blade Drive
Lever).
• Although the term “blade section” appears
throughout this instruction, the same proce­
dure is used when replacing a ledger plate.
A CAUTION
• Before working on or near the cutter bar, shut
the engine off, allow it to cool, disconnect the
spark plug wire and prevent it from touching
the spark plug. For electric start models, also
remove the Engine Ignition key from the key-
switch.
• When working on or near the cutter bar blades,
wear heavy leather gloves to help prevent the
blades from accidentally pinching or cutting
your fingers or hands.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury
or property damage.
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Photo 5-45: Removing the rivet heads.
4. Place the cutter blade assembly on a very sturdy
and secure steel object such as an anvil or vise. The
steel object must be extremely sturdy and secure.
Allow the portion of the blade that you will be driving
the rivet out of to extend over the edge of this steel
object as shown in Photo 5-46.
5. Place a 3/16-inch punch on the shank of the rivet.
Use a hammer to drive the rivet out of the bar.
6. Move the blade so the second rivet being removed
is positioned as shown in Photo 5-46. Use the ham­
mer and punch to drive this rivet out of the bar.
Photo 5-46: Removing the Rivets From the Blade.