Full Product Manual

27
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
10. Carefully remove the PTO cable (a) from the rear of the
cutting deck by removing the bow-tie clip (b) which secures
it. Remove the spring (c) from the deck idler bracket. See
Figure 31.
(b)
(b)
(a)
(c)
(b)
Figure 31
11. Gently slide the cutting deck (from the left side) out from
underneath the tractor.
NOTE: To reinstall the deck after service, reverse the order of deck
removal Steps 1-11 in this section.
Removing the Blade
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.
Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or
damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object.
Do not operate the tractor until damaged components
are replaced.
If the cutting edge of the blade has previously been
sharpened, or if any metal separation is present, replace the
blades with new ones.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to
Deck Removal) then gently flip the deck over to expose
its underside.
2. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle
and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 32.
Figure 32
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the
spindle assembly. See Figure 32.
Installing the Blade
1. With the deck removed gently flip the deck over to expose
its underside.
2. Line up the hole in the center of the blade with the retainer
at the bottom of the spindle assembly, and the side stamped
with “grass-side”, “Bottom” or with a part number, so that it
will be facing the ground with the deck reinstalled and in the
proper operating position.
3. Place a block of wood between the deck housing baffle and
the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 32.
4. Thread on the hex flange nut to secure the blade to the
spindle assembly. Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade
spindle hex flange nut to 80-90 ft-lbs (95-122 N-m).
NOTE: When replacing or reinstalling the blade, be sure to install
the blade with the side of the blade marked “grass-side, ‘‘Bottom’’
or with a part number stamped in it facing the ground.
Sharpening the Blade
1. 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 33.
Figure 33
2. Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal
from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
WARNING
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may
damage the tractor, and/or result in personal injury.