REV E 6-6 119293
Mower blade replacement
1. Park the mower on a flat surface and stop the engine.
Make sure deck clutch switch is in the down (OFF)
position. Remove ignition key. Place the steering con-
trol levers in the park brake position. Make sure the
blades are stopped before leaving seat. Disconnect
the negative battery cable.
2. Raise the front of the unit and block with certified jack
stands. This allows easier access to the blades under
the deck.
3. Install a blade lock tool (Excel part number 381442)
over the two blades to prevent them from rotating.
Figure 6-15
4. Use a 5/8" wrench to remove the 7/16” cap screw hold-
ing the blade to the spindle shaft. Figure 6-16
NOTE: Only remove and install one blade at a time when
using the blade lock tool (381442) as it requires two
blades to work properly.
5. Inspect the blade for damage. If the blade is damaged,
replace it. If the blade is not damaged, either sharpen
it or replace it with a new blade or another sharpened
used blade.
6. If sharpening the blade, refer to the Mower blade main-
tenance section for proper sharpening procedures.
7. The spindles have a 5/8" diameter boss that centers
the blades on the spindles. When re-installing blades,
ensure that the blade is centered on the boss and
seated flat against the spindle shaft face. Figure 6-16
8. When attaching the blade to the spindle shaft do not
re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or
undercut threads. Torque bolts on spindles to 48 ft–
lbs (65.14 N•m) when reinstalling blades.
IMPORTANT: The blade sail (curved part) must be
pointing upward toward the inside of the deck to
ensure proper cutting.
9. Remove the blade lock.
End view of blades, comparing twisted and straightened blades.
A. Twisted blade edge —
replace blade
B. Straight blade edge
C. Cutting plane
D. Cutting edge
Figure 6-14
This procedure will require that the mower to be
raised and blocked up off of the ground. Use only
appropriate vehicle stands, with a minimum weight
rating of 2000 pounds to block the unit up. Use in
pairs only. Follow the instructions supplied with the
vehicle stands.
Never work with blades while engine is running or
deck clutch is engaged. Always place deck clutch in
the disengaged position, engage control levers in the
park brake position and turn engine off. Block up
mower when you must work under it. Wear gloves
when handling blades. Always check for blade dam-
age if mower strikes a rock, branch or other foreign
Exercise caution when working under the deck as the
mower blades are extremely sharp. Wearing gloves
is advisable when working around or with the blades.
A. Blade lock tool B. Blade
Figure 6-15
Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating,
or weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may
break and cause serious injury.
Rotate the blades after installation to ensure blade
tips do not touch each other or sides of the mower.
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