19
SECTION 8: SERVICE
Cutting Blades
•
Periodically inspect the blade adapter and/or
spindle for cracks or damage, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace immediately if
damaged
.
To remove blade:
•
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 11 .
Figure 11
•
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut
that secures blade to the spindle assembly. See
Figure 11 .
To sharpen 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 .
•
Grind each 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.
IMPORTANT:
A poorly balanced blade will cause
excessive vibration and may cause damage to the
tractor and/or personal injury.
To replace blade:
•
When replacing the blade, be sure to install the
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.
•
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle
hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds and 90
foot-pounds.
Figure 12
Removing Cutting Deck
•
Place the PTO lever in the disengaged (OFF)
position and engage the parking brake.
•
Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the
bottom notch on the right fender.
•
Remove the PTO belt from around the cutting
deck’s center pulley.
•
Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the
tractor, locate the deck support pin on the rear left
side of the deck.
•
Pull the deck support pin outward to release the
deck from the deck lift arm. See Figure 13.
•
Rotate the pin slightly toward the rear of the tractor
and release the pin into the hole provided. Repeat
on the right side.
WARNING:
Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral position, set parking
brake, stop engine and remove key to prevent
unintended starting.
WARNING:
Protect your hands by using
heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the blade.
Spindle Assembly
Hex Flange Nut
Wood Block
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen edge evenly
5/8"
minimum
