Operator`s manual

30 se c t i O n 7— se r v i c e
Blade Care
WARNING! 
ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for

using heavy gloves when grasping the blade.
WARNING! 
spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you
have struck a foreign object. Do not operate the
machine until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blades, proceed as follows:
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.

Remove the hex flange nut that secured the blade to the 

To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts 4.
of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges,

cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade balance.
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.
Test the blades balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal 5.
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the

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

Changing the Deck Belt
WARNING! The V-belts found on your tractor are
specifically designed to engage and disengage safely.

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 is any signs of wear are present. To change or replace
the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:

under Cutting Deck Removal.
Remove the belt covers by removing the self-tapping 2.
screws that fasten them to the deck.
Working on the left side of the tractor, insert the  ⁄
ratchet wrench, set to loosen, into the square hole found
on the idler bracket.
4.

WARNING! Avoid pinching injuries. Never place
your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt
and the pulley while installing the belt.
Carefully remove the deck belt from around the left-hand 5.
spindle before slowly allowing the wrench to pivot forward.
Carefully remove the deck belt from around the right-hand 6.
spindle pulley, center pulley on applicable models and
deck idler pulleys.
NOTE: The idler pulleys may have to be loosened, but not
removed, in order to remove the belt from around them.
7.
NOTE: Use a ⁄
steps when routing the belt.
Retighten idler pulleys, if loosened earlier.8.
Remount the belt guards removed earlier.
Re-Install the deck as instructed earlier in this section 
under Mounting the Deck.
Figure 7-10
Figure 7-11