Cutting Blade Care

10.Repeat Step 7 and Step 8 for the other side of the mower deck.

11.From the rear, attach the belt around the clutch pulley.

12.Engage tension arm by moving it into the bracket to maintain belt tension.

13.Replace belt covers.

WARNING: The cutting blades are sharp and can cause severe injury. Wrap the cutting surface of the blade with a rag to avoid injury.

Keep the cutting blade sharp and free of build up at all times:

•Sharpen ends of the blades evenly by keeping the same cutting angle to maintain balanced cutting blades.

•Remove debris build up from the underside of the mower deck housing using a putty knife.

REMOVING A BLADE

Block

Of Wood

Blade

Figure 29

1.Secure the cutting blade by putting a piece of wood between the blade and the housing. (See Figure 29)

2.Use a 1-1/8 inch socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle to secure.

3.Remove the hex nut using a 1-1/8 inch wrench.

INSTALLING A BLADE

1.Install the blade so the cutting edges face the direction of rotation and the wind wings are facing up.

2.Use a 1-1/8 inch socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle to secure.

3.Tighten the nut to 100 ft-lbs (136 Nm).

LUBRICATION OF MOWER DECK

Lubricate the mower deck and its parts as required.

• Each spindle has a grease fitting and all pivot points should be lubricated with motor oil.

REMOVING THE DRIVE BELT

Visually inspect the drive belt for wear and cracking. If the drive belt shows signs of glazing, fraying, cracking or excess wear it needs to be replaced. Follow these steps to replace the drive belt.

1.Set the parking brake.

2.Remove the mower deck belt from the engine pulley.

3.Locate the drive belt.