30
3. Remove the bolt (5/8 in. wrench), curved washer,
retainer, and blade (Fig. 34). Use a block of wood as a
wedge between the blade and the mower to lock the
blade when you are removing the bolt.
m-1886
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 34
1.
Bolt
2.
Retainer
3.
Blade
4.
Spindle
5.
Curved washer
4. Inspect all parts; replace any parts that are damaged.
Sharpening the Blades
1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of
each blade (Fig. 35). Maintain the original angle. The
blade retains its balance if you remove the same amount
of material from both cutting edges.
m-1854
1
Figure 35
1.
Sharpen at original angle
2. Check the balance of each blade by putting it on a blade
balancer (Fig. 36). 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 36
1.
Blade
2.
Balancer
Installing the Blades
1. Install each blade, blade retainer, curved washer
(cupped side toward blade), and the blade bolt (Fig. 34).
Important
The curved part of the blade must be
pointing 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. Set the parking brake.
4. Stop the engine and wait for all moving parts to stop.
5. Remove the ignition key.
6. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.
7. Move the height-of-cut lever into the “D” notch.
8. Remove the height-of-cut lift assist spring from the
retaining bolt (Fig. 37) using the spring tool provided
with the tractor.
1
2
3
m-1851
Figure 37
1.
Spring
2.
Bolt
3.
Spring tool
Note: The spring is between the frame and the right rear
wheel.
