Filter
Top Products
25
6
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
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.
Maintaining
Your Tractor
• 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.
• 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 foot-pounds and
90 foot-pounds.
Figure 23
1-5/8 inch
Figure 24
Blade Separation
Worn Blade
Edge
Sharpen Edge
Evenly
Wind Wing
Wood Block
Hex Flange Nut
Spindle Assembly