Craftsman C459-36201 Operator's Manual page 18

DeCk WasH
Your mower's deck is equipped with a water port on its surface as part
of its deck wash system.
Use the deck wash to rinse grass clippings from the deck's underside
and prevent the buildup of corrosive chemicals. Complete the following
steps AFTER EACH MOWING:
1. Push the mower to a level, clear spot on your lawn, near enough
for your garden hose to reach. Remove the grass bag if attached.
CaUtiOn
Make certain the mower's discharge chute is directed AWAY from
your house, garage, parked cars, etc.
2. Thread the hose coupler (packaged with your mower's Operator's
Manual) onto the end of your garden hose.
3. Attach the hose coupler to the water port on your deck's surface. See
Figure 19.
4. Turn the water on.
5. Start the engine as described in the Operation section.
6. Run the engine for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside
of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.
7. Release blade control to stop the engine and blade.
8. Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on
your deck's surface.
After cleaning your deck, restart the mower. Keep the engine and
blade running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of
the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.
blaDe Care
WarninG
When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement,
protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to
hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps
below for blade service.
1. Disconnect spark plug boot from spark plug. Turn mower on its side
making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and
the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft. See Figure 20.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft.
4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance. Balance the blade
on a round shaft screwdriver to check. Remove metal from the
heavy side until it balances evenly. When sharpening the blade,
follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally
to keep the blade balanced.
WarninG
An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at
high speeds. It may cause damage to mower and could break causing
personal injury.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Adapter
Blade Bell
Support
5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade
adapter with light oil. Slide the blade adapter onto the engine
crankshaft. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of
the blade marked "Bottom" (or with part number) faces the ground
when the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that the
blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. See
Figure 19 inset.
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches on the blade
bell support with small holes in blade.
7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min.,
600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade
bolt for correct torque.
18
Figure 19
Blade
Blade
Bolt
Figure 20