Cutting Blades

WARNING! Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when grasping the blade.

WARNING! Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you’ve struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine until damaged components are replaced.

To remove the blades, proceed as follows.

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

2.Place a block of wood between the center deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer.

See Fig. 7-4.

3.Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Fig. 7-4.

Figure 7-4

4.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. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain proper blade balance. See Fig. 7-5.

Figure 7-5

caution: If the cutting edge of the blade has previously been sharpened, or if any metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.

warning! A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may damage to the tractor and/ or result in personal injury.

5.Test the blade’s balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.

NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position.

caution: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft and 90 lbs-ft.

26Section 7— Service