Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade 340-158 Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade, model 340-158. Adhering to these instructions will help ensure safe and efficient performance of your lawn mower. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting any installation or maintenance procedures.

Product Specifications

The Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade 340-158 is designed for specific lawn mower applications. Key specifications are as follows:

Description: Notched Air-Lift Blade
Length: 18 inches
Center Hole Diameter: 5/8 inches
Width: 2 1/2 inches
Thickness: 0.203 inches
Material: Steel
Item Weight: Approximately 2.2 pounds

Figure 1: Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade 340-158. This image displays the full length of the blade, highlighting its notched design and central mounting hole.

Compatibility Information

This blade is a replacement part compatible with various lawn mower models and replaces several OEM part numbers. Always verify the part fits your specific equipment before installation.

Replaces OEM Numbers:

Ariens: 00273100, 03399704, 04916400, 04917900, 3399704
Bad Boy: 038-3000-00
Bobcat: 112111-02, 12111-02, 32022A, 32022HD, WM132022
Encore: 363046, 363291, 481707, 482462, 823004
Exmark: 1-303146, 1-303283, 1-303495, 1-303527, 1-633482, 1-633485, 103-2508, 103-2518, 103-2518-S, 103-2528, 103-6582-S, 103-6584, 103-6584-S, 633482, 633484, 633485, E633482, E633485
Ferris: 1521227, 1521227S, 5021227, 5101756, 5101756S, A48185
Gravely: 00450300, 04916400
Great Dane: D18037, GDU10231
Husqvarna: 539100341
John Deere: AM104490, PT8721, TCU29188, TCU34280, TCU37208
Scag: 48108, 481707, 481711, 48185, 482462, 482878, A48108, A48185
Snapper: 1-7037, 1-7344, 100341, 101485, 12111-02, 32022A, 32022HD, 363055, 7-6450, 7-7344, 7017037, 7075751, 7075751BMA, 7075751BZ, 7075751BZYP, 7076450, 7077344, 75751
Toro: 1-633482, 1-633485, 103-2508, 103-2518, 103-2528, 105-7781, 105-7781-03, 108-1117, 110-0408

Compatible with:

AYP: Requires 3 for 52" deck
Bobcat: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 54" deck
Encore: HydroPro and Premier Pro Series walk-behinds, Pro-Line Rider, Prowler Mid-Cut, X-Treme and Z-Series; Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
Exmark: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
Great Dane: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
Husqvarna: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
John Deere: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
Kees: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck
Lesco: Requires 2 for 36" deck; 3 for 52" deck

Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when working with lawn mower blades. Failure to follow safety precautions can result in serious injury.

Disconnect Power: Before performing any maintenance or installation, always disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the battery to prevent accidental engine starting.
Wear Protective Gear: Always wear heavy-duty gloves and eye protection when handling blades. Blades are sharp and can cause severe cuts.
Stable Surface: Ensure the lawn mower is on a flat, stable surface and properly supported before working underneath it.
Sharp Edges: Be aware of sharp edges on the blade.
Proper Tools: Use only the correct tools for blade removal and installation.

Installation Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to install your new Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade 340-158.

Required Tools:

Wrench or socket set (appropriate size for blade bolt)
Torque wrench
Heavy-duty work gloves
Safety glasses
Wood block or blade removal tool
Wire brush (for cleaning)

Preparation:

Ensure the engine is off and cool.
Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) or remove the battery to prevent accidental starting.
Position the mower on a flat, stable surface. If tilting, ensure the carburetor side is up to prevent fuel leakage.
Clean any accumulated grass clippings and debris from the underside of the mower deck.

Blade Removal:

Wearing heavy-duty gloves, place a wood block between the blade and the mower deck to prevent the blade from turning.
Using the appropriate wrench, loosen and remove the blade bolt(s) by turning counter-clockwise.
Carefully remove the old blade and any washers or spacers. Note the orientation of the old blade for correct installation of the new one.

Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade, underside view

Figure 2: Underside view of the Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade. Observe the central mounting hole and the air-lift design at the ends.

Blade Installation:

Ensure the new blade is oriented correctly. The cutting edge should face outwards and downwards towards the ground. The air-lift wings should point upwards towards the mower deck.
Align the center hole of the blade with the spindle shaft. Ensure any alignment pins or star patterns on the spindle match the blade's mounting holes.
Reinstall any washers or spacers in their original order.
Thread the blade bolt(s) by hand to ensure proper engagement.
Place the wood block between the blade and the mower deck again to prevent rotation.
Tighten the blade bolt(s) securely with a wrench.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt(s) to the manufacturer's specified torque setting for your mower model. Refer to your mower's instruction manual for exact torque specifications. Proper torque is critical for safety and performance.
Remove the wood block and reconnect the spark plug wire(s) or reinstall the battery.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the blade's center hole. This shows the precise machining for secure attachment to the mower spindle.

Operation Guidelines

Once the Stens Notched Air-Lift Blade 340-158 is correctly installed, operate your lawn mower according to its manufacturer's instructions. Ensure the blade is securely fastened and balanced before starting the engine. The notched design of this blade is intended to provide a more powerful cut, particularly effective for denser vegetation, and can assist in handling debris from twigs, roots, and hard soil.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your blade is crucial for optimal cutting performance and safety.

Blade Inspection:

After each use, inspect the blade for excessive wear, nicks, bends, or cracks.
A bent or cracked blade must be replaced immediately.
Check for proper balance. An unbalanced blade can cause excessive vibration, leading to poor cut quality and potential damage to the mower.

Sharpening:

Sharpen the blade regularly to maintain a clean cut. Dull blades tear grass, leading to an unhealthy lawn.
Use a file or grinder to sharpen the cutting edges, maintaining the original angle.
After sharpening, always check the blade's balance. An unbalanced blade can cause severe vibration and damage.

Replacement:

Replace the blade annually or more frequently if it shows signs of significant wear, damage, or if it cannot be properly balanced after sharpening. Always replace with a genuine Stens replacement blade or an equivalent part that meets the original specifications.

Figure 4: Illustration of a notched blade design. This design feature contributes to a more powerful cutting action, particularly beneficial for dense vegetation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you experience problems after installing your new blade, consider the following:

Poor Cut Quality:

Dull Blade: The blade may require sharpening.
Incorrect Installation: Ensure the blade is installed with the cutting edge facing the correct direction.
Bent Blade: A bent blade will not cut evenly and must be replaced.

Excessive Vibration:

Unbalanced Blade: The blade may be unbalanced due to uneven sharpening or damage. Re-balance or replace.
Bent Blade: A bent blade will cause significant vibration. Replace immediately.
Loose Mounting: Ensure the blade bolt(s) are tightened to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Warranty and Support

For information regarding product warranty or technical support, please refer to the official Stens website or contact Stens customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for any warranty claims.

For further assistance, visit the Stens Store on Amazon or the official Stens website.

Stens 340-158