Owners manual

31
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Mower Blade Care
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF”
position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands by using
heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck,
be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. 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 already been sharpened many times, or if any
metal separation is present, it is recommended that new blades be installed. New
blades may be obtained through Sears Parts & Repair or by calling 1-888-331-4569.
The blades may be removed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck Removal)
then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Use a 1-⁄” wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly 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 help in
breaking loose the hex nut securing the blade. See Figure 43.
Figure 43
3. When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that the wind
wings are pointing upward toward the top of deck.
4. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft-lbs.
5. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation).
Transmission Drive Belt
Several components must be removed and special tools used in order to change the
riding mower’s transmission drive belt. See your Sears Service Center or to schedule
service, simply contact Sears at 1-888-331-4569.
Tractor Creeping
Creeping is the slight forward or backward movement of the mower when the
throttle is on and the speed control levers are in the neutral position. If your mower
creeps, see an authorized service dealer.