HUSTLER FasTrak SD, Operator'S Manual, Page: 33 / 43

602901 4-7 REV G
or annually whichever comes first. Figure 4-9
Belts
Inspect belts frequently for wear and serviceability. Replace a
belt that shows signs of severe cuts, tears, separation, weather
checking and cracking, or burns caused by slipping. Slight
raveling of belt covering does not indicate failure, trim ravelings
with a sharp knife.
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new
belt, or one in good condition, should never run against the
bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the case,
otherwise the belt will lose power and slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or damage
the fibers of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt
dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a
very short time.
Mower Blade Maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power
efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep the blades sharp. A dull
blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown ragged
top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also requires
more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
Mower Blade Removal
Use a 15/16” wrench to remove the 5/8” cap screw holding
the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath.
NOTE:
A blade
holding tool (part number 381442) is available from Hustler ®
Turf Equipment. It is designed to prevent the blades from
rotating when they are being removed or installed on the
spindle. Contact your Hustler
® dealer for more information.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown
(Figure 4-10). Touch-up sharpening can be done with a file
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A
commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware
supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on
an inverted line punch or 5/8” bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt.
Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out
of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion
(Figure 4-11 & Figure 4-12). Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
undercut threads. Torque bolts on spindles to 118 foot-pounds
(160.0 N-m) when reinstalling blades.
Properly compressed cup washers maintain the correct
compression load on the blades. Replace the cup washers if they
are cracked or flattened.
IMPORTANT:
The blade sail (curved part) must be point-
ing upward toward the inside of the deck to ensure proper cut-
ting.
Figure 4-9
WARNING
If the pump belt fails, loss of control will occur especially
when operating on a slope.
If you lose steering control
while operating the machine, place the steering con-
trol levers in the park brake position immediately.
Inspect the machine and involve your Hustler
® Dealer
to resolve the problem before continuing to operate.
Fuel evaporation
system filter
Fuel
tank
Vapor line
Vapor line
Fuel
tank
Seat support
WARNING
Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating, or
weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may break
and cause serious injury. Replace worn or damaged
blades.
WARNING
Never work with blades while engine is running or deck
clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place deck clutch
switch in the
disengaged position, place steering control
levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and
disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when
you
must work under it. Wear gloves when handling
blades. Always check for blade damage if mower
strikes a rock, branch or other foreign object during mow-
ing!
WARNING
Always wear adequate eye protection when grinding
mower blades.