Blade Servicing

Drive Shaft Lubrication

Lubricate the drive shaft slip joint every 8 operating hours. Failure to maintain proper lubrication could result in damage to U-joints, gearbox and drive shaft.

Lower mower to ground, disconnect drive shaft and apply a bead of grease all around the male half where it meets the female half. Slide shaft in and out several times to distribute grease.

Inspect blades for condition and proper installation each time before operation. Replace any blade that is bent, excessively nicked, worn or has any other damage. Small nicks can be ground out when sharpening.

Blade Removal (figure 12)

Make certain ail movement of cutter compo- nents has stopped before opening blade access cover.

Open blade access cover, reach through and align one end of the crossbar with the hole. Use a block of wood to hold blade carrier and loosen blade retainer bolt (3),rotate retainer (4) until half moon is aligned with blade pin (2) and remove blade pin. Remove blade (5).

2	TORQUE BOLT (3)
	TO 20	FT-LBS.
I

1.Crossbar

2.Blade Din

3.Blade ietainer bolt

4.Blade retainer

5.Blade

Figure 12. Blade Assembly

Blade Installation (figure 12)

The words "This Side Down" are stamped on the blade. Make sure this side of the blade is placed toward the ground. Install blade (5) into crossbar

(1). Insert blade pin (2) from top then rotate blade retainer (4) until half moon is away from the blade pin. Tighten blade retainer bolt (3) to 20 ft-lbs. Do not over-tighten. Rotate crossbar and repeat procedure. Replace blade access cover.

Your dealer can supply genuine replacement blades. Substltute blades may not meet original equipment specifications and may be dangerous.

Blade Sharpening (figure 13)

Remove blades.

Always sharpen both blades at the same time to maintain balance. Follow original sharpening pattern. Do not sharpen blade to a razor edge. Leave a 1/16" blunt edge. Do not sharpen back side.

FOLLOW ORIGINAL7 PATTERN

0 I \ \ ,

MAINTAIN1CORNER

DB2530

Figure 13. Blade Sharpening

Belt Replacement (figure 14)

One of the major causes of belt failure is improper installation. Before a new belt is installed, check pulley shafts and bearings for wear. Check pulley grooves for cleanliness. Make sure spindles turn freely and without wobble. If grooves require cleaning, moisten a cloth with a non-flammable, non-toxic degreasing agent or commercialdetergent and water.

F-7756 (1 0-89)