Cutting Blades

WARNING! Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) 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.

The blades may be removed as follows.

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

NOTE: A block of wood may be placed between the deck housing and the cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose the hex nut securing the blade.

2.Use a 15⁄16” wrench to loosen the hex flange nut securing the blade to the bottom of the spindle assembly. Secure the spindle by either holding the blade tightly, or by using a second wrench to hold the nut at the top of the spindle.

3.Continue holding the blade onto the star hub of the spindle, and remove the flange nut and cutting blade.

4.Repeat the previous steps to remove the other blade.

5.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.

NOTE: If the cutting edge of the blade has already been sharpened to within 1-5⁄8” from the edge, or if any metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.

See Fig. 7-2.

Blade Separation

Worn Blade Edge

Wind Wing

Sharpen Edge Evenly

1-5⁄8”

Figure 7-2

6.It is important that each cutting blade edge be ground equally to maintain proper blade balance.

7.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.

NOTE: When replacing the blades, make certain the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ faces the ground when the mower is turned to the operating position.

NOTE: Note that the stars of the blades (and spindles) are not symmetrical. The blade can be installed on each spindle in only one direction. Carefully align the star hole of the blade with the star of the spindle shaft when installing each blade. DO NOT improperly align the blade and spindle shaft, and attempt to seat the blade onto the spindle by tightening the hex flange nut.

8.Rotate the blade as necessary to align its star hole with the star of the spindle shaft, then slide the blade onto the spindle shaft. Thread the hex flange onto the spindle shaft and use a torque wrench to tighten the hex flange nut to

70 to 90 foot-pounds.

9.Repeat the above procedure to install the other blade.

Changing the PTO Belt

WARNING! Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) to prevent unintended starting before removing the belt(s).

All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present.

NOTE: Do not use substitute belts. The V-belt found on your tractor is specially designed for optimal performance and service life for your deck application. Use only OEM original replacement belts.

To replace the PTO belt, proceed as follows:

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor (refer to Cutting Deck Removal).

2.Maneuver the PTO belt downward and off the idler pulley on the spring loaded idler bracket. NOTE: It may be necessary to loosen the hex cap screw and flange lock nut securing the pulley to the idler bracket to fit the belt between the pulley and bracket. Slide the belt between the bottom of the idler pulley and top of the timing belt idler pulley below. See Fig. 7-3.

Idler Bracket

Fixed Idlerand Pulley

Pulley

PTO Belt

Figure 7-3

24Section 7— Service