Replacing the Belt

Z-Force 48

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 24).

2.Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers to the deck and loosen the belt keepers enough to slide the belt off the pulleys. See Fig. 7-10.

3.Remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Fig. 7-9.

4.Install the new belt around the spindle pulleys as shown in Fig. 7-9 and reinstall the belt covers.

5.Reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck Installation on page 25.

Replacing the PTO Belt (Z-Force S60/54 only)

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck

Removal on page 23).

2.Replace the PTO belt and reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck Installation on page 25.

Mower Blade Care

WARNING! Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.

The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the cutting 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 already been sharpened many times, or if any metal separation is present, it is recommended that new blades be installed. New blades are available at your authorized dealer.

The blades may be removed as follows.

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

2.Use a 3⁄4” wrench to hold the hex washer screw on the top of the spindle assembly when loosening the flange lock nut securing the blade. See Fig. 7-11.

Hex

 

Washer

 

Screw

Hex Screw

Spacer

 

Pulley

 

 

Spacer

Spindle Assembly

Blade

Spacer

 

Flange Lock Nut

 

 

Figure 7-11

3.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. To reinstall the blades, reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft.

4.Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 25 ).

NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvanic corrosion.

WARNING!: Never mow with dull blades. Blades that are bent should be replaced. The cutting blades are sharp and can cause severe injury. Wrap the cutting surface of the blade with a rag to avoid injury.

Sharpening the Blades

1.Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

2.Clean any debris from the blades. Keep blades sharp and free of build up at all times.

3.Sharpen blades evenly at the original 30° angle to maintain balanced cutting blades. Do not sharpen the underside of the blades. Use a electric blade sharpener, a conventional electric grinder or a hand file to sharpen the blades.

4.Replace any blade with severe nicks or dents that cannot be removed by filing.

5.Check the balance of the blade after sharpening by placing it on a blade balancer. Do not use unbalanced blades.

6.If the blade dips on one end, file stock off of the cutting surface on that end.

NOTE: Replace any blades that cannot be easily balanced.

Section 7 — Service

 

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