•Remove the blade from the spindle.

Deck

Blade

Blade

Hex Flange

Nut

Figure 21

Sharpening Blade

•Remove the cutting blades by following the directions in the preceding section.

•When sharpening the blades, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It is extremely important that each cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds, may damage the tractor and/or could break, causing personal injury.

Balancing Blade

•The blade can be tested for balance by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

Reassembly

•When replacing blades, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with part number) facing the ground when the tractor is in the operating position. Carefully align “star” on blade with “star” on spindle. Secure with flange nut.

Blade Mounting Torque

Hex Flange Nut: 840 in. lb. min., 1080 in. lb. max.

•All nuts and bolts must be checked periodically for correct tightness.

Belt Replacement

Deck Belt (38" and 42" Decks)

•Place the lift lever in the engaged (all the way forward) position.

•Disconnect the spring which is attached to a bracket on the transaxle, inside the right rear wheel. Use a spring puller or other suitable tool.

NOTE: When reassembling, make certain belt keeper pins are assembled in the same locations from which they were removed. See Figure 22.

Belt Keeper Pins

Engine

Pulley

Figure 22

•Place the lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.

•Remove the belt keeper pins from the lower frame.

•Unhook the deck belt from the engine pulley.

•Place the lift lever in the engaged (all the way forward) position.

•Disconnect the stabilizer plate from the stabilizer shaft assembly by removing the hairpin clips and flat washers and sliding out the rod.

•Disconnect the six deck links by removing the hairpin clips and flat washers.

•Place the lift lever in the BLADES STOP position.

•Slide the deck from beneath the lawn tractor.

•Remove the belt guards at each deck pulley by removing the self-tapping screws. See Figure 23.

•Remove and replace the belt, reassemble following the instructions in reverse order.

WARNING: Disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground it against the engine. Block the wheels of the unit.

NOTE: Figure 22 and Figure 25 are shown with the unit tipped up for clarity. It is not necessary to tip the unit to remove the belts. However, for convenience, if you decide to tip it, remove the battery from the unit first.

Stabilizer Plate

Self-Tapping

Screws

Belt Guard

•To prevent gasoline leakage, drain the gasoline, or remove the fuel tank cap. Place a thin piece of plastic over the neck of the fuel tank and screw on the cap. Be certain to remove the plastic when finished changing the belts. Block unit securely.

Figure 23

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