control levers in the park brake position immediately. Inspect the machine and involve your Hustler dealer to resolve the problem before continuing to operate.
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new belt, or one in good condition, should never run against the bottom of the groove. Replace the pulley when this is the case, otherwise belt will lose power and slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or damage the fibers of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt dressings. Any of these will destroy the belt composition in a very short time.
Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep them sharp, a dull blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull blade also requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
WARNING: Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating, or weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may break and cause serious injury.
DANGER: Never work with blades while engine is running or deck clutch is engaged. Always place deck clutch in the disengaged position, engage parking brake and neutral lock levers and turn engine off. Block up mower when you must work under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for blade damage if mower strikes rock, branch or other foreign object during mowing!
Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw holding the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown (Fig. 11- 16).
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A commercial balancing tool is available through most hardware supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on an inverted line punch or 5/8" bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt. Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion (Fig.
Do not
WARNING: When mounting blades, rotate them after installation to ensure blade tips do not touch each other or sides of the mower.
Resharpening Pattern
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below).
It is easier to get a straight cutting edge following the resharpening pattern shown above.
Original Edge
Figure |
Warped Blade (Replace) |
Cutting |
Plane |
Straight Blade |
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades |
Figure |
Cutting Edge
Twisted Blade Edge
WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt may result in the loss of the blade which can cause serious injury.
Cutting Plane
(Replace)
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra caution when servicing them.
Cutting Edge
Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing twisted and straighten blades.
Figure
| 302620 8/06 |
