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28 Section 7— Service
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 deck housing baffle
and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer. See Figure 7-6.
Figure 7-6
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the
spindle assembly. See Figure 7-6.
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 7-7.
Figure 7-7
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.
WARNING! A poorly balanced blade will cause
excessive vibration, may damage the tractor 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 ‘‘Bottom’’ (or with
a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
CAUTION: Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 ft-lbs
and 90 ft-lbs.
Changing the Deck Belt
WARNING! The V-belts found on your tractor are
specially designed to engage and disengage safely.
A substitute (non-OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by
not disengaging completely. For a proper working
machine, use factory approved belts.
All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be
replaced if any signs of wear are present . To change or replace
the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the deck as instructed earlier in this section under
Cutting Deck Removal.
2. Loosen, but do not remove the hardware on the right and
left idler pulley.
NOTE: On some decks it may be necessary to remove the
spindle covers to remove and/or install the new belt. To
remove the spindle covers, remove the screws securing
them to the deck.