16
Cutting Blades
WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine
off, remove ignition key, disconnect
the spark plug wire(s) and ground
against the engine to prevent unin-
tended starting before removing the
cutting blade(s) for sharpening or
replacement. Protect your hands by
using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp
the cutting 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.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the mower, (refer to
Cutting Deck Removal on page 14) then gently flip
the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Place a block of wood between the center deck
housing baffle and the cutting blade to act as a
stabilizer. See Figure 5-13.
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to
the spindle assembly.
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. See Figure 5-14.
IMPORTANT: If the cutting edge of the blade has
already been sharpened or if any metal separation is
present, replace the blades with new ones.
• It is important that each cutting blade edge be
ground equally to maintain proper blade balance.
• A p
oorly balanced blade will cause excessive
vibration and may cause damage to the mower 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.
• W
hen 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.
The cutting blades must be installed perpendicular to
each other. If the blades cannot be installed perpendicu-
lar to each other, the blade timing belt must be reset.
See your authorized dealer to have the deck’s timing
belt reset.
Figure 5-13
WARNING
Do not operate mower
without the belt cover
installed. Failure to
follow this instruc-
tion could result in
personal injury or
property damage.
Periodically inspect
the blade spindles for
cracks or damage,
especially if you strike
a foreign object.
Replace immediately
if damaged.
5
Maintenance
and
Adjustments
Figure 5-14
Rear Flap Replacement
WARNING: Never operate the mower
without the trail shield in place and
working. Failure to do so can result in
personal injury.
The rear flap is attached to the back of the mower deck,
and is designed to minimize the possibility that objects
will be thrown from the rear of the mower toward the
operator. If the rear flap becomes damaged, replace as
follows.
1. Remove screw and press flap in on either side to
remove from hole. See Figure 5-15.
2. Remove screw and flap from opposite hole and replace
with new flap following these steps in reverse order.
Figure 5-15
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