Husqvarna 7021RB - Manual (Page 12)

12
LAWN MOWER
Always observe safety rules when performing main te nance.
TIRES
• Keep tires free of gasoline, oil, or insect control chem-
i cals which can harm rubber.
• Avoid stumps, stones, deep ruts, sharp objects and
other hazards that may cause tire damage.
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.
If necessary to clean drive wheels, check both rear wheels.
BLADE CARE
For best results, mower blade must be kept sharp. Re place
a bent or dam aged blade.
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. 16)
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.
3. Use a wood block between blade and mower hous ing to
prevent blade from turning when re mov ing blade bolts.
NOTE: Protect your hands with gloves and/or wrap blade
with heavy cloth.
4. Remove blade bolts by turning counter-clockwise.
TO REPLACE BLADE (See Fig. 16)
1. Position the blade. Be sure trailing edge of blade (op-
posite sharp edge) is up toward the engine and install
the blade bolts.
2. Use block of wood between blade and lawn mower
housing and tighten the blade bolts, turning clockwise.
• The recommended tightening torque is 35-40 ft. lbs.
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLTS ARE HEAT TREATED. IF BOLTS
NEED REPLACING, REPLACE ONLY WITH APPROVED BOLTS
SHOWN IN THE REPAIR PARTS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL.
MAINTENANCE
TO SHARPEN BLADE
NOTE: We do not recommend sharp en ing blade - but if
you do, be sure the blade is balanced. Care should be
taken to keep the blade balanced. An un bal anced blade
will cause eventual damage to lawn mower or engine.
• The blade can be sharp ened with a file or on a grind-
ing 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 ex posed.
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.
• Check your grass catcher often for damage or de te -
ri o ra tion. Through normal use it will wear. If catcher
needs replacing, replace only with ap proved replace-
ment catcher shown in the Repair Parts section of
this manual. Give the mower model number when
ordering.
GEAR CASE
• 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.
• If lubricant is required, use only Texaco Starplex Pre-
mi um 1 Grease, Part No. 750369. Do not substitute.
ENGINE
LUBRICATION
Use only high quality detergent oil rated with API service
classification SG–SL. Select the oil's SAE viscosity grade
according to your expected operating temperature.
NOTE: Multi-viscosity oils (5W30, 10W30 etc.) improve
starting in cold weather, and you should check your engine
oil level frequently to avoid possible engine damage from
running low on oil.
Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or at least
once a year if the lawn mower is not used for 25 hours in
one year.
Check the crankcase oil level before starting the engine
and after each five (5) hours of continuous use. Tighten oil
plug securely each time you check the oil level.
FIG. 16
BLADE
BOLTS
BLADE
TRAILING
EDGE