Mower Blade Care
WARNING: Before performing any main- tenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharpen the cutting edges of the blades evenly so that the blades remain balanced and the same angle of sharpness is maintained.
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharp- ened many times, or if any metal separation is present, it is recommended that new blades be installed. New blades are available at your authorized dealer.
The blades may be removed as follows.
•Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 28) then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
•Use a 15/16 inch wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade. 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. Refer to Figure 36.
•When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed so that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the top of the deck.
•Tighten the blade nuts to
•Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 29).
Belt Cover
Hex Nut
Wo
od Block
In Position
Use 15/16"
Wrench to
Remove Nut
Figure 36
DECK LUBRICATION
•After every 10 hours of operation and before putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle assemblies with a No. 2 multipur- pose lithium grease. The lube fittings are located in the spindle housing and can be accessed from underneath the deck.
REPLACING THE DECK DRIVE BELT
•Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck Removal on page 28).
•Remove the hex tapping screws securing the belt covers to the deck and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys. Refer to Figure 37.
•Install the new belt around the spindle pulleys as shown in Figure 37 and reinstall the belt covers.
•Route the belt rearward between the two idler pulleys and reinstall the deck following the instructions in Deck Installation on page 29.
‘V’ Belt
Belt Cover
Idler Pulley | Idler Pulley |
|
Figure 37
32
