WARNING

When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.

Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of the mowing season or when buildup of cut material on the underside is noticed. Also remove the belt covers and remove any accumulated grass clippings.

If using the mulching option, clean the underside of the deck frequently. A buildup of grass clippings will prevent proper mulching.

The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.

NOTE

Sharpen the cutting and mulching edges of the blades evenly so that the blades remain balanced and the same angle of sharpness is maintained. If the cutting edge of a blade has been sharpened to within 5/8 inch of the wind wing radius (see Figure 58), it is recommended that new blades be installed. New blades are available at your authorized dealer.

After replacing the blades, apply grease the exposed threads at the bottom of the spindle bolts to prevent rust buildup.

When replacing the blades, be sure they are installed so that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the top of the deck housing. Tighten the nuts to 90 to 110 ft-lbs. (122 to 149 N·m).

LUBRICATION

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They may cause damage to electrical components; spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.

After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle as- semblies and the spindle belt idler arm with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Excess grease will be expelled from the invert- ed upper seals of the spindle assemblies. Listen for the muffled crackling noise of grease being expelled through the seal to indicate the spindle assembly is ful- ly greased. Refer to Figure 59.

Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the double pulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium grease. Do not over lubricate.

HEX

WOOD

Refer to Figure 59.

NUT

BLOCK

BLADE

5/8" From

 

 

Radius

1-1/8 INCH WRENCH

Figure 58

3

4 5

26

7

8

1 6

1

2

5

When removing the blades, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench to hold the hex head of the spindle bolt when loosening the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to assist in removal of the hex nut securing the blade (Refer to Figure 58).

1.

Spindle Belt Cover

6.

Spindle Assembly

2.

Flange Lock Nuts

 

Grease Fittings

3.

Idler Arm Lever

7.

Idler Arm

4.

Stop Bracket

 

Grease Fitting

5.

Front Ball Wheels

8.

Double Pulley

Figure 59

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Cub Cadet 2166 manual Lubrication