SECTION 3: INSTALLATION
WARNING: Before beginning installation, place the tractor on a firm and level surface, set the parking brake, place the PTO in the disengaged (OFF) position, stop the tractor’s engine and remove the ignition key to prevent unintended starting.
WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. Always protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.
Installing the Blades
IMPORTANT: The blades included in this kit are NOT compatible with the deck spindles found on Cub Cadet model LT 1022 lawn tractors and can NOT be safely installed and used as part of this mulch kit. Contact your Cub Cadet dealer for more information on mulch kits for Cub Cadet lawn tractors.
1.Remove the cutting deck from beneath the tractor as instructed in your tractor’s Operator’s Manual, then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside,
2.Place a block of wood between the deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer, then use a wrench to remove the hex flange nut that secures each blade to its spindle assembly. Refer to Figure 2.
Figure 2
IMPORTANT: The hex flange nuts have a
3.Replace the blades with the blades included in the kit. Be sure to install each blade with the side marked ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the operating position. Be certain to mount the SHORT BLADE to the CENTER SPINDLE.
Refer to Figure 1.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten each blade spindle’s hex flange nut to between 70
Inserting the Mulch Plug
1.Remove the carriage screw and plastic wing nut from the mulch plug.
2.Pivot the discharge chute upward as shown in Figure 3 and carefully insert the mulch plug into the discharge chute opening.
3.Reinsert the carriage screw down through the deck surface and mulch plug and secure it in place with the plastic wing nut removed earlier. See Figure 3.
Discharge Chute |
Carriage Screw |
Mulch Plug |
Plastic Wing Nut |
Figure 3
NOTE: It is NOT necessary to remove the discharge chute to operate the mower with the mulch kit installed. It is also unnecessary to change the mower blades should you choose to operate the mower without the mulch plug installed.
IMPORTANT: On older model decks where a square hole is not present to insert the carriage screw, mark the location with a drift and use a 3/8”drill bit to create a round hole in its place.
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