Section 7 — Service 37
3.  Wrap a rag around one end of the blade and grasp it to 
prevent it from turning, or secure the blade by placing a 
block of wood between the blade and the deck housing. 
See Figure 7-8.
Figure 7-8
4.  Use a 1-⁄” socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle 
bolt. See Figure 7-9.
Flange Lock Nut
Blade
Hex Screw
Figure 7-9
5.  Remove the hex nut at the blade using a 1-⁄” wrench and 
remove the blade.
6.  To replace the blade reverse the above process and tighten 
nut to 100-120 lb ft.
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.
NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the 
bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvanic action.
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 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 7-10.
Figure 7-10
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.
4.  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 lbs-ft 
and 120 lbs-ft.