TIRES
The recommended operating tire pressure is approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 10 psi for the front tires. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer’s recommended psi. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to mow unevenly.
CUTTING BLADES
WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect your hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.
The blades may be removed for sharpening or replacement as follows.
•Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to DECK REMOVAL earlier in this section for detailed instructions) 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 22.
Hex Flange Nut | Block of Wood |
Spindle | Cutting Blade |
Assembly |
|
Figure 22
•Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Figure 22.
NOTE: The hex flange nut has a
To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges. See Figure 23.
Sharpen the cutting edge straight across, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure 23.
IMPORTANT: 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 worn blades with new ones. See Figure 23.
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge | Wind Wing |
|
5/8" 
minimum Sharpen Edge Evenly
Figure 23
It is extremely important that each cutting blade edge be ground equally to maintain proper blade balance. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may cause damage to the tractor and result in personal injury. The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
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.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot- pounds and 90
23