30
2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 31). If the blade stays in a horizontal
position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the
blade is not balanced, file some metal off of the back
side of the blade. Repeat this step until the blade is
balanced.
m-1855
1
2
Figure 31
1.
Blade
2.
Balancer
Installing the Blade
1. Install the blade, the blade retainer, the curved washer
(cupped side toward blade), and the blade bolt (Fig. 29).
Important
The curved part of the blade must be
pointing upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure
proper cutting.
2. Tighten the blade bolt to 45 to 60 ft-lb (61 to 81 N
⋅
m).
Removing the Mower
1. Park the tractor on a level surface.
2. Disengage the blade (PTO).
3. Shift the ground speed lever into Neutral.
4. Set the parking brake.
5. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
6. Remove the ignition key.
7. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
8. Move the height-of-cut lever into the “D” notch.
9. Remove the height-of-cut lift assist spring from the
retaining bolt (Fig. 32), using the spring tool provided
with the tractor.
Note: The spring is between the frame and the right rear
wheel.
1
2
3
m-1851
Figure 32
1.
Spring
2.
Bolt
3.
Spring tool
When you remove the mower, the spring-tensioned
height-of-cut lever could suddenly release and
injure you or someone else.
Move the height-of-cut lever to the “D” position
and remove the height-of-cut assist spring to
release the spring tension.
Caution
10. Move the height-of-cut lever into the “A” notch.
11. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer from the blade
control arm on the left side of the mower (Fig. 33).
m-1897
1
2
Figure 33
1.
Hairpin cotter and washer
2.
Rod
12. Slide the rod off of the arm.