26 Section 4— Product care
Replacing the Blades
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, disengage the
PTO, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition
key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the
switch. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when
handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck,
be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the
Deck Removal section.
2. For easier access, flip the deck over, then
jack up the front of the deck about one
foot and block it in that position.
To remove the blade:
1. Secure the blade from turning counter-
clockwise during service by placing a
block of wood between the blade and
the deck housing, see Figure 4-22, or
wrap a rag around one end of the blade
and wear heavy gloves to grasp the
blade firmly.
Figure 4-22
2. Remove the flange lock nut (a) and flat
washer (b) from the spindle shaft and
remove the blade (c). See Figure 4-23.
Figure 4-23
To replace or reinstall the blade:
1. Put the blade in place on the spindle
shaft. Be sure to install the blade with
the side marked “Bottom”, “Grass
Side” or with a part number stamped
facing the ground when the deck is
reinstalled on the tractor and in the
operating position.
2. Carefully place the flat washer on the
spindle shaft. Be sure that the splines
at the base of the spindle shaft threads
line up with the washer splines. See
Figure 4-24.
Figure 4-24
3. Secure the blade from turning
clockwise when reinstalling the flange
lock nut (the opposite direction of
blade removal).
4. Install the flange lock nut onto the
spindle shaft over the blade and flat
washer. Torque to 100-130 ft-lbs (136-176
N-m).
WARNING
Never mow with dull blades. Blades that are bent should
be replaced. The cutting blades are sharp and can cause
severe injury. Wrap the cutting surface of the blade with
a rag and wear heavy gloves to avoid injury.
Sharpening the Blades
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Clean any debris from the blades. Keep
blades sharp and free of build up at
all times.
3. 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°-30° angle. Always grind each cutting
blade edge equally to maintain proper
blade balance. See Figure 4-25.
Figure 4-25
WARNING
If a blade is bent or otherwise damaged, replace the blade
with a new one. Use only original equipment blades.
WARNING
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration,
may damage the machine 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 “Grass Side”
(or with a part number stamped in it)
facing the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
WARNING
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex
flange nut to between 100 ft-lbs and 120 ft-lbs.
Changing the Spindle Assembly
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the
Deck Removal section.
2. Jack up the front of the mowing
deck about one foot and block it in
that position.
3. Remove the deck cover.
4. Remove the drive belts. See Replacing
the Deck Belt.
5. Remove the blade. See Replacing
the Blades.
6. Remove the hex flange bolts (a) and
flat washers (b) securing the left and
right spindle pulleys (c) to the spindle
assembly (d). See Figure 4-26.
Figure 4-26
7. Remove the six (6) flange lock nuts (e)
securing the left and right spindle
assemblies (d) and the support plates (f)
to the deck shell (g). See Figure 4-26.
Note: The deck support plate (h) does
not need to be removed unless all three
spindles are being replaced.
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