7.Check that the mower deck is level:

a.Rotate right and left mower blades to face side-to-side.

b.Measure outer edge of mower blades to ground. Measurement must be within 1/4 inch (6.35 mm).

•If mower deck is not level, repeat steps 5 and 6.

•If mower deck is level, record the distance from rear edge of mower blades to the ground and then adjust pitch of mower deck.

Adjust Pitch of Mower Deck

IMPORTANT: The mower blade end used to level the mower deck must be used to adjust the pitch of the mower deck.

1.Rotate the right and left mower blades 180 degrees until the end of the mower blade that was used to level the mower deck is facing forward (figure 13).

NOTE: The front blade cutting height should be 1/16 - 1/4 in. (1.59 - 6.35 mm) lower than the rear blade cutting height (figure 13).

2.Measure from front edge of right and left mower blades to the ground.

3.Subtract front blade cutting height measurement from rear blade cutting height measurement (figure 13).

4.Perform steps 5 through 7 if the front blade cutting height is too high or too low on either side on either side of mower deck.

5.Remove front lift link and front trunnion from mower deck and mower lift (figure 11).

•TO RAISE the mower deck, turn front trunnion clockwise several turns.

•TO LOWER the mower deck, turn front trunnion counterclockwise several turns.

6.Install front trunnion and front lift link on mower deck and mower lift (figure 11).

7.Check mower deck pitch.

•If mower deck pitch is not correct, repeat steps 2 through 6.

•If mower deck pitch is correct, the adjustment is complete.

REPLACING MOWER BLADE

Remove (Figure 14)

CAUTION: Mower blades are sharp and can cut you. Wrap the blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution when servicing them.

1.Block mower blades to prevent rotation.

2.Remove mounting hardware and mower blades from mower deck.

Install (Figure 14)

1.Install mower blades on mower deck with mounting hardware.

2.Torque 5/8-inch hex bolt to 80 to 120 lbf-ft (108 to 163 N•m).

1

2

 

 

4

 

 

 

3

 

1.

Flat Washer

3.

5/8-inch Hex

2.

Bevel Washer

Bolt

 

 

 

 

4.

Mower Blade

 

 

 

 

Figure 14

 

 

OE0039

SHARPENING MOWER BLADE

CAUTION: DO NOT sharpen mower blade while on unit. An unbalanced mower blade will cause excessive vibration and eventual damage to unit. Check mower blade balance prior to reinstalling mower blades.

NEVER weld or straighten mower blades.

1.Remove mower blade from unit (see REPLACING MOWER BLADE on page 20).

Ariens recommends having mower blades sharpened by a professional. Contact your Ariens dealer.

Discard mower blade if (figure 15):

•more than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is removed.

•the air lift erosion area is eroded.

•the mower blade is bent or broken.

GB - 20