19
1.
Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, then
gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2.
Place a block of wood between the center deck
housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a
stabilizer. See Figure 12.
3.
Use a 15/16" wrench, remove the hex flange nut that
secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See
Figure 12.
4.
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 12.
•
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
with new ones. See Figure 12.
IMPORTANT:
Each cutting blade edge has to be ground
equally to maintain proper blade balance. A poorly
balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may
damage the tractor and/or result in personal injury.
5.
Test the blade by balancing it on a round shaft
screwdriver. Grind metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly.
6.
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.
7.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex
flange nut to between 70 and 90 foot-pounds.
8.
Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out
from underneath the tractor.
Changing the Deck Belt(s)
Spindle Assembly
Hex Flange Nut
Wood Block
Figure 12
Blade separation
Worn blade edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen edge evenly
5/8" minim
um
Deck belt (Bottom)
PTO belt (Top)
Engine Pulley
PTO Idler Bracket
Left Hand Pulley
Right Hand Pulley
(beneath belt guard)
Center Pulley
Deck Idler Pulley
Self-Tapping Screws
(mounted on tractor)
NOTE:
Left hand belt cover not shown for clarity.
Figure 13
