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28
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Blade
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 striking a foreign object. Do
not operate the machine until damaged components
are replaced.
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.
The blade(s) may be removed as follows:
NOTE: It may be easier to change the blade by first removing
the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Cutting Deck
Removal earlier in this section) then gently flipping the deck
over to expose its underside. It is possible to change the blade,
however, with the deck still attached to the riding mower. If
attempting to change the blade with the deck still installed on
the riding mower, first move the deck lift lever to its highest
cutting position.
1. Remove the mulch plug, deck chute or bagging chute, if
equipped, exposing the deck chute opening.
2. Using a block of wood at least 2” x 4” (51 mm x 102 mm),
insert it into the deck opening and rotate the blade around
until it wedges the wood between the deck opening and the
cutting blade, as shown in Figure 38.
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the
spindle assembly. See the inset of Figure 38.
NOTE: The deck spindle has a normal thread. To loosen, rotate
the flange lock nut counter-clockwise.
Figure 38
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 Figure 39.
Figure 39
WARNING
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration,
may damage the riding mower, 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 “grass-side”, ‘‘Bottom’’ or with
a part number stamped in it facing the ground when the riding
mower is in the operating position.
CAUTION
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange
nut to between 70 ft-lbs (95 N-m) and 90 ft-lbs (122 N-m).
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt
NOTE: Several components must be removed and special tools
(i.e. air/impact wrench) used in order to change the riding
mower’s drive belt. See an authorized service dealer to have your
drive belt replaced or phone Customer Support to find a dealer
near you.
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