Cutting Blades

Double-idler

Bracket

Hole

Idler

Adj. Rod

1-3/8"

Front of Tractor

NOTE: View shown from above tractor.

Figure 17

Adjust the drive pedal after replacing the drive belts on your tractor, if necessary, as follows:

•Locate the speed control assembly on the underside of the steering support bracket. See Figure 18.

	Idler	Place Wrenches Here
	Adj. Rod	Place Wrenches Here
	Adj. Rod

Neutral

Return

Bracket

Hairpin

Clips

Drive Pedal	Speed Control
Return Spring	Assembly
	Figure 18

•Remove both hairpin clips from the pin which is fastened to the speed control assembly (be careful not to lose the small flat washers found on the pin). See Figure 18.

•Remove the drive pedal return spring.

•Using two 9/16" wrenches, remove the pin

from the speed control assembly. See Figure 18.

Thread the idler adjustment rod inward or outward to lengthen or shorten the travel of the double-idler bracket until proper adjustment is achieved.

• Reassemble by following the above steps in reverse order.

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 19.

•Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Figure 19.

NOTE: The hex flange nut has a right-handed (normal) thread pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the nut in the incorrect direction. Doing so may damage the nut and create a safety hazard.

Hex Flange Nut

Block of Wood

Spindle	Cutting Blade
Assembly

Figure 19

To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges. See Figure 20.

Sharpen the cutting edge straight across, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure 20.

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 blades with new ones. See Figure 20.

Worn Blade Edge

Blade Separation

Wind Wing

WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.

Sharpen Edge Evenly

Figure 20

5/8" minimum