Use and Care Guide

27
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
8. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck lift up and out of
the way.
CAUTION
There is a certain amount of spring tension due to the weight of the deck. When
removing the lift linkage from the deck the tension of the springs will go from the
deck to the deck lift handle and snap back.
9. Gently slide the cutting deck out from underneath the tractor.
Cutting Blades
WARNING
Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting
blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy
gloves when grasping the blade.
WARNING
Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage,
especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine
until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blades, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal
earlier in this section) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Place a block of wood between the deck housing baffle and the cutting
blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 31.
Figure 31
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly.
See Figure 31.
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. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See Figure 32.
Figure 32
CAUTION
If the cutting edge of the blade has previously been sharpened, or if any
metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.
WARNING
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may damage the
tractor and/or result in personal injury.
5. Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly.
NOTE: 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.
CAUTION
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between
70 ft-lbs and 90 ft-lbs.
Changing the Deck Belt
WARNING
The V-belts found on your tractor are specially designed to engage and
disengage safely. A substitute (non-OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by
not disengaging completely. For a proper working machine, use factory
approved belts.
All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear
are present . To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the deck as instructed earlier in this section under Cutting Deck Removal.
NOTE: On some decks it may be necessary to remove the spindle covers to
remove and/or install the new belt. To remove the spindle covers, remove
the screws securing them to the deck.