Columbia RZT L Series, Operator'S Manual

Page: 33 / 42

S
ECTION
7 — S
ERVICE 33
Mower Blade Care
WARNING!
Before performing any maintenance,
place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the
parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position and remove the key from the switch. Protect
your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the
blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not
to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the
cutting edges of the blades evenly so that the blades remain
balanced and the same angle of sharpness is maintained.
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharpened many
times, or if any metal separation is present, it is recommended
that new blades be installed. New blades are available at your
authorized dealer.
The blades may be removed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 28) then gently flip the deck over to
expose its underside.
2. Use a 15⁄16” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle
assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade.
A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing
and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose
the hex nut securing the blade. See Figure 7-14.
Hex Flange Nut
Spindle Assembly
Wood Block
Figure 7-14
3. When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that
the wings are pointing upward toward the top of the deck.
4. Tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft. lbs.
5. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 30).
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt
Several components must be removed and special tools used in
order to change the tractor’s transmission drive belt. See your
authorized service dealer to have the transmission drive belt
replaced.
Tractor Creeping
Creeping is the slight forward or backward movement of the
mower when the throttle is on and the speed control levers are
in the neutral position. If your mower creeps, see an authorized
service dealer.