42
C. MAINTENANCE
CLEANING AND BLADE CARE
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, place the
PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the
brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position and remove the key from the
switch to avoid accidental starting and injury.
WARNING
When servicing the mower deck, be careful not
to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of
the mowing season or when buildup of cut material on
the underside is noticed. Also remove the belt covers
and remove any accumulated grass clippings.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
NOTE
Sharpen the cutting edges of the blades evenly
so that the blades remain balanced and the
same angle of sharpness is maintained. If the
cutting edge of a blade has been sharpened to
within 5/8 inch of the wind wing radius (See
Figure 58), it is recommended that new blades
be installed. New blades are available at your
authorized dealer.
Figure 58
When removing the blades, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench to
hold the hex head of the spindle bolt when loosening
the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may
be placed between the deck housing and the cutting
edge of the blade to assist in removal of the hex nut se-
curing the blade (Refer to Figure 59).
Figure 59
After replacing the blades, apply grease the exposed
threads at the bottom of the spindle bolts to prevent
rust buildup.
When replacing the blades, be sure they are installed
so that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the
top of the deck housing. Tighten the nuts to 90 to 110
ft-lbs. (122 to 149 N·m).
LUBRICATION
After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting
the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle as-
semblies and the idler arms with 251H EP grease or an
equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Excess
grease will be expelled from the inverted upper seals
of the spindle assemblies. Listen for the muffled crack-
ling noise of grease being expelled through the seal to
indicate the spindle assembly is fully greased. Refer to
Figure 60.
Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the double
pulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2
multipurpose lithium grease. Do not over lubricate.
Refer to Figure 60.
WIND
WING
5/8" FROM
RADIUS
HEX NUT
1-1/8" WRENCH
WOOD BLOCK
IN POSITION
