Figure 3-5
NOTE:
If the battery is put into service after the date shown
on top/side of battery, charge the battery as instructed in the
Maintenance section your Operator’s Manual prior to operating
the tractor.
Installing the Mulching Kit (if equipped)
Your unit may or may not include a mulching kit.
WARNINg:
Before beginning installation, place the
tractor on a firm and level surface, set the parking
brake, place the PTO in the disengaged (OFF)
position, stop the tractor’s engine and remove the
ignition key to prevent unintended starting.
WARNINg:
Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect
hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to
grasp blades.
Remove the cutting deck from beneath the tractor as
1.
instructed in the “Service” section of this manual.
Gently flip the deck over to expose its underside,
2.
Place a block of wood between the deck housing baffle
3.
and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer, then use a
wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures each
blade to its spindle assembly. See Fig. 3-4.
IMPORTANT:
The hex flange nuts have a right-handed (normal)
thread pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the nuts in the opposite
direction. Doing so may damage the nut.
Replace the blades with the blades included in the kit. Be
4.
sure to install each blade with the side 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 each blade
spindle’s hex flange nut to between 70 ft-lb and 90 ft-lb.
Inserting the Mulch Plug
Lift the discharge chute up (A). See Fig. 3-5.
1.
Insert the mulch plug into the deck discharge opening by
2.
fitting the tab on the rear side of the mulch plug inside the
deck(B) and pivoting the mulch plug into place (C).
Pull and stretch the retaining strap on the mulch plug over
3.
the deck wheel bracket (D) on the deck and hook onto the
bottom of that bracket as seen in the inset of Fig. 3-5.
NOTE:
It is NOT necessary to remove the discharge chute
to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed. It is also
unnecessary to change the mower blades should you choose to
operate the mower without the mulch plug installed.
Figure 3-3
Figure 3-4
A
B
C
D
10
S
ection
3 — A
SSembly
& S
et
-U
p
