7.Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right fender to raise deck lift arms up and out of the way.
8.Carefully slide the cutting deck forward and remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine.
9.Continue to roll the deck toward the front of the tractor until the front deck hanger rod can be removed from the slots of the hanger bracket at the front of the deck.
10.While holding the front deck hanger rod upward until it clears the hanger bracket on the front of the deck, carefully slide the deck out from the right side of the tractor.
Cutting Blades
WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off, remove ignition key, disconnect the spark plug wire(s) to prevent un- intended starting before removing the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or re- placement. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cut- ting blade.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade spindles for cracks or damage, especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace immediately if damaged.
The blades may be removed as follows.
•Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
•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. See Figure 23.
Hex Flange Nut | Wood Block |
|
Spindle Assembly
Figure 23
•Use a wrench to loosen the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle. Holding the blade onto the star hub of the spindle, or using a second wrench to hold the nut at the top of the spindle, secure the spindle and remove the flange nut and cutting blade. Repeat to remove the other three blades.
•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.
IMPORTANT: 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 Figure 24.
Blade Separation
Worn Blade
Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen Edge
Evenly |
Figure 24
•It is important that each cutting blade edge be ground equally to maintain proper blade balance.
•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.
•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.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70
6
Maintaining Your Tractor
WARNING
Use caution when handling the cutting blades. The sharp- ened edges could cause severe cuts to your hands.
Shut tractor engine off, remove ignition key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) before proceeding with job. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting blade
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