GB - 20
7. Check that the mower deck is level:
a.Rotate right and left mower blades to
face side-to-side.
b.Measure outer edge of mower blades
to ground. Measurement must be
within 1/4 inch (6.35 mm).
• If mower deck is not level, repeat steps
• If mower deck is level, record the
distance from rear edge of mower
blades to the ground and then adjust
pitch of mower deck.
Adjust Pitch of Mower Deck
IMPORTANT: The mower blade end used to
level the mower deck must be used to adjust
the pitch of the mower deck.
1. Rotate the right and left mower blades
180 degrees until the end of the mower
blade that was used to level the mower
deck is facing forward (figure 13).
NOTE: The front blade cutting height should
be 1/16 - 1/4 in. (1.59 - 6.35 mm) lower than
the rear blade cutting height (figure 13).
2. Measure from front edge of right and left
mower blades to the ground.
3. Subtract front blade cutting height
measurement from rear blade cutting
height measurement (figure 13).
4. Perform steps 5 through 7 if the front
blade cutting height is too high or too low
on either side on either side of mower
deck.
5. Remove front lift link and front trunnion
from mower deck and mower lift
(figure 11).
• TO RAISE the mower deck, turn front
trunnion clockwise several turns.
• TO LOWER the mower deck, turn front
trunnion counterclockwise several
turns.
6. Install front trunnion and front lift link on
mower deck and mower lift (figure 11).
7. Check mower deck pitch.
• If mower deck pitch is not correct,
• If mower deck pitch is correct, the
adjustment is complete.
REPLACING MOWER BLADE
Remove (Figure 14)
1. Block mower blades to prevent rotation.
2. Remove mounting hardware and mower
blades from mower deck.
Install (Figure 14)
1. Install mower blades on mower deck
with mounting hardware.
2. Torque 5/8-inch hex bolt to 80 to
120 lbf-ft (108 to 163 N•m).
SHARPENING MOWER BLADE
1. Remove mower blade from unit (see
REPLACING MOWER BLADE on
page 20).
Ariens recommends having mower blades
sharpened by a professional. Contact your
Ariens dealer.
Discard mower blade if (figure 15):
• more than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is
removed.
• the air lift erosion area is eroded.
• the mower blade is bent or broken.
CAUTION: Mower blades are sharp
and can cut you. Wrap the blades or
wear gloves, and use extra caution
when servicing them.
CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen mower
blade while on unit. An unbalanced
mower blade will cause excessive
vibration and eventual damage to
unit. Check mower blade balance
prior to reinstalling mower blades.
NEVER weld or straighten mower
blades.
1
2
1. Flat Washer
2. Bevel Washer
3. 5/8-inch Hex
Bolt
4. Mower Blade
3
4
Figure 14
OE0039
