9.Remove the cotter pin and flat washer from the end of the stabilizer rod and slide the stabilizer rod out of the hanger bracket on the deck. as shown in Figure 7-4.

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 Figure 7-5.

3.Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See Figure 7-5.

Figure 7-4

10.Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from underneath the tractor.

11. Reinstall the belt keeper rod loosened earlier.

CAUTION: Failure to reinstall the belt keeper rod may result in serious damage to your tractor’s PTO system.

Figure 7-5

26Section 7— Service