Exmark 850000 AND HIGHER Mower Belt Maintenance, Installing the Blades, Inspecting the Belts

Maintenance

Figure 35

1.Sharpen at original angle

2.Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 36). If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 36). Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

Figure 36

1. Blade 2. Balancer

Installing the Blades

1.Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 34).

Important: The curved part of the blade must be pointing upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper cutting.

2.Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove (or place a wrench on the top sheave nut). Apply lubricant to the threads of the blade bolt as needed to prevent seizing. Copper based anti-seize is preferable. Grease is an acceptable substitute. Install the washer and blade bolt and washer assembly.

3.Torque the blade bolt to 32-42 ft-lb (43-57 N-m).

WARNING

Incorrect installation of the blade or components used to retain the blade cause the blade to come loose and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.

Always install the original Exmark blades, washers and blade bolts as shown.

Mower Belt Maintenance

Inspecting the Belts

Service Interval: Every 25 hours/Monthly (whichever comes first)

Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage. Replace damaged belts.

Replacing the Mower Belt

Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks, and cracks are signs of a worn mower belt. Replace the mower belt if any of these conditions are evident.

1.Park the machine on a level surface and disengage the blade control switch.

2.Move the motion control levers outward to the neutral position, engage parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3.Set the height-of-cut at 1-1/2 inch (38 mm).

4.For 48 and 52 inch decks only, remove the belt covers over the outside spindles.

5.Grasp both belt strands going to the clutch. Pull them to the rear of the machine and slip the belt off the clutch pulley as shown in Figure 37 and Figure 38.

WARNING

The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

Be careful when removing the belt.

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