Cutting Blades

WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to prevent unintended starting before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade.

WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade adapter and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace immediately if damaged.

The blades may be removed as follows.

•Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal on page 26) 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 26.

Hex Flange Nut

Wood Block

Spindle Assembly

Figure 26

•Use a 1-1/8" wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See

Figure 26.

To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle.IMPORTANT:

IMPORTANT: If the cutting edge of the blade has already been sharpened, or if any metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.

It is important that each cutting blade edge be ground equally to maintain proper blade balance. A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration and may cause damage to the tractor and result in personal injury.

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

IMPORTANT:When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.

IMPORTANT:Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft and 90 lbs-ft.

Battery

The battery is sealed and is maintenance-free. Acid levels cannot be checked and fluid can not be added.

•Always keep the battery cables and terminals clean and free of corrosive build-up.

•After cleaning the battery and terminals, apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or grease to both terminals

•Always keep the rubber boot positioned over the positive terminal to prevent shorting.

IMPORTANT: If removing the battery for any reason, disconnect the NEGATIVE (Black) wire from it’s terminal first, followed by the POSITIVE (Red) wire. When re-installing the battery, always connect the POSITIVE (Red) wire its terminal first, followed by the NEGATIVE (Black) wire. Be certain that the wires are connected to the correct terminals; reversing them could change the polarity and cause damage to your engine’s alternating system.

Jump Starting

WARNING: Never jump start a damaged or frozen battery. Be certain the vehicles do not touch, and ignitions are off. Do not allow cable clamps to touch.

•Connect positive (+) cable to positive post (+) of your tractor’s discharged battery.

•Connect the other end of the cable to the (positive +) post of the jumper battery.

•Connect the second cable (negative –) to the other post of the jumper battery.

•Make the final connection on the engine block of the stalled tractor, away from the battery. Attach to a unpainted part to assure a good connection.

IMPORTANT: If the jumper battery is installed on a vehicle (i.e. car, truck), do NOT start the vehicle’s engine when jump starting your tractor.

•Refer to the instructions on page 13 to start the tractor .

•Set the tractor’s p[arking brake before removing the jumper cables, in reverse order of connection.

•Allow the tractor’s engine to run for 15 minutes before shutting it off to allow the alternating system time to charge the discharged battery.

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