23
The blades may be removed as follows:
•
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to
Cutting Deck Removal
on page 19) then gently flip the
deck over to expose its underside.
•
Place a block of wood between the center deck
housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a
stabilizer. See Figure 20.
Figure 20
•
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut
that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See
Figure 20.
•
To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove
equal amounts of metal from both ends of the
blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the
trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure 21.
IMPORTANT:
If the cutting edge of the blade has already
been sharpened to within 5/8" of the wind wing radius,
or if any metal separation is present, replace the
blades. See Figure 21.
•
Grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain
proper blade balance.
•
Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Grind metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly.
•
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’
(or with a part number stamped in it) facing the
ground when the mower is in the operating position.
IMPORTANT:
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade
spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds and
90 foot-pounds.
Figure 21
Fuses
Two fuses are installed in your tractor’s wiring harness
to protect the tractor’s electrical system from damage
caused by excessive amperage.
•
If the electrical system does not function, or your
tractor’s engine will not crank, first check to be
certain that the fuse has not blown. One fuse is
located under the hood mounted behind the top of
the dash panel on the support bar. The other can
be found under the seat mounted to the inside of
the tractor frame next to the battery tray. Pull the
fuse out and inspect it to determine if it is good or
blown. Replace if necessary.
IMPORTANT:
Always use a fuse with the same
amperage capacity for replacement.
Battery
The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid
levels cannot be checked.
•
Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean
and free of corrosive build-up.
•
After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a
light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both
terminals.
IMPORTANT:
Always keep the rubber boot positioned
over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.
IMPORTANT:
If removing the battery for any reason,
disconnect the
negative
(black) wire from its terminal
first, followed by the
positive
(red) wire. When re-
installing the battery, always connect the
positive
(red)
wire its terminal first, followed by the
negative
(black)
wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the
correct terminals; reversing them could change polarity
and damage the engine’s alternating system.
WARNING:
A poorly balanced blade will
cause excessive vibration, may damage the
tractor and cause personal injury.
Spindle Assembly
Hex Flange Nut
Wood Block
WARNING:
Before servicing, repairing, or
inspecting, always disengage PTO, move shift
lever into neutral position, set parking brake,
stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen Edge Evenly
5/8"
minimum