MTD 19B30005OEM - User Manual

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1. Remove the cutting deck from beneath the tractor as

instructed in your tractor’s Operator’s Manual.

2. Gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.

3. Stablize one of the cutting blades with a blade lock tool or

a block of wood. See Figure 1-2.

Figure 1-2

4. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the

spindle.

IMPORTANT: The hex flange nuts have a right-handed

(normal) thread pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the nuts in the

opposite direction. Doing so may damage the nuts.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 on the other cutting blade.

6. Replace the blades with the blades included in the kit. Be

sure to install each blade with the side 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 each blade

spindle’s hex flange nut to between 90 ft-lb and 110 ft-lb.

Model 19B30005OEM mulch kit is designed for use with

select 46-inch two-blade cutting decks. Refer to your tractor’s

Operator’s Manual to assure compatibility.

Carton Contents

Before beginning installation, remove all parts from the carton to

make sure everything is present. Carton contents are listed below

and shown in Figure 1-1. Part numbers are shown in parentheses.

• Two Mulching Blades (742-04268)

• One Deck Mulch Plug Assembly (631-05195A)

• One Wing Knob (720-04122)

Figure 1-1

Blade Installation

WARNING: Before beginning installation, place

the tractor on a firm and level surface, set the

parking brake, place the PTO in the disengaged

(OFF) position, stop the tractor’s motor and remove

the ignition key to prevent unintended starting.

WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp. Always

protect hands by wearing heavy leather work gloves

to grasp blades.

Form No. 769-10191

September 5, 2014

Printed In USA

InstallatIon Manual

46-inch Mulch Kit — 19B30005OEM

MTD LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019

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Summary

Blade Installation

Prepare Deck for Blade Removal

Remove the cutting deck from the tractor and flip it over to access the blades.

Stabilize and Remove Blade

Stabilize the cutting blade with a block of wood and remove the hex flange nut.

Replace Blade

Replace the old blade with a new one, ensuring correct orientation and attachment.

Installing the Mulch Plug

Prepare Mulch Plug Installation

Pivot the chute deflector upward and remove the protective cover from the pin.

Attach Mulch Plug

Insert the mulch plug rod into the hole and position the plug over the deck's pin.

Secure Mulch Plug

Secure the mulch plug in place using the wing knob.

This document describes the installation and features of the 46-inch Mulch Kit, Model 19B30005OEM, designed for use with select 46-inch two-blade cutting decks. Users should consult their tractor's Operator's Manual to ensure compatibility before proceeding with installation.

Function Description:

The 46-inch Mulch Kit converts a standard lawn tractor cutting deck into a mulching system. Mulching involves finely cutting grass clippings and returning them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for bagging and promoting a healthier lawn. This kit achieves this by replacing the standard cutting blades with specialized mulching blades and installing a mulch plug that seals the discharge opening, keeping clippings contained within the deck for repeated cutting.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Number: 19B30005OEM
Deck Compatibility: Select 46-inch two-blade cutting decks.
Mulching Blades: Two mulching blades, part number 742-04268. These blades are designed with specific contours and cutting surfaces to create a powerful airflow and multiple cutting zones for finer shredding of grass clippings.
Deck Mulch Plug Assembly: One deck mulch plug assembly, part number 631-05195A. This plug is crucial for sealing the discharge chute, ensuring that clippings remain under the deck to be mulched repeatedly.
Wing Knob: One wing knob, part number 720-04122, used to secure the mulch plug in place.
Blade Tightening Torque: Each blade spindle's hex flange nut must be tightened to between 90 ft-lb and 110 ft-lb using a torque wrench. This precise torque specification is critical for safe operation and to prevent the blades from loosening during use.
Hex Flange Nuts: The hex flange nuts securing the blades have a right-handed (normal) thread pattern. Users are warned against forcing them in the opposite direction to prevent damage.

Usage Features:

The mulch kit offers several usage benefits:

Eliminates Bagging: By mulching grass clippings, users no longer need to collect and dispose of grass bags, saving time and effort.
Natural Fertilization: Finely cut clippings decompose quickly, returning essential nutrients to the soil and acting as a natural fertilizer for the lawn. This can reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
Improved Lawn Health: Regular mulching helps maintain soil moisture and can lead to a greener, healthier lawn over time.
Easy Installation: The kit is designed for straightforward installation, requiring the removal of the cutting deck, replacement of blades, and insertion of the mulch plug.
Quick Conversion: The mulch plug can be easily installed and removed, allowing users to switch between mulching and side-discharge modes as needed, depending on lawn conditions or personal preference. The wing knob facilitates quick securing and removal of the plug.

Maintenance Features:

While the manual primarily focuses on installation, it implicitly highlights several maintenance considerations:

Blade Sharpening/Replacement: The mulching blades, like all cutting blades, will eventually dull and require sharpening or replacement to maintain optimal cutting performance. The manual provides the part number for easy reordering.
Proper Blade Installation: Correct installation of the blades, including ensuring the "Bottom" side (or part number) faces the ground and tightening to the specified torque, is a critical maintenance step for safety and performance. Incorrect installation can lead to poor cutting, excessive vibration, or even blade detachment.
Mulch Plug Condition: Users should periodically inspect the mulch plug for damage or wear. A damaged plug may not effectively seal the discharge opening, reducing mulching efficiency.
Deck Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the underside of the cutting deck is recommended to prevent the buildup of grass clippings, which can impede mulching performance and contribute to rust.
Safety Precautions: The manual emphasizes critical safety warnings, such as placing the tractor on a firm, level surface, engaging the parking brake, disengaging the PTO, stopping the motor, and removing the ignition key before any maintenance or installation. It also warns about sharp cutting blades, recommending heavy leather work gloves for protection. These precautions are essential for safe operation and maintenance of the cutting deck and mulch kit.
Part Ordering: The manual provides contact information for ordering replacement parts and locating service dealers, ensuring that users can easily obtain necessary components for ongoing maintenance.

In summary, the 46-inch Mulch Kit (19B30005OEM) is an accessory designed to enhance lawn care by converting a standard cutting deck into a mulching system, offering environmental benefits and convenience through its specialized blades and easy-to-install mulch plug. Proper installation and adherence to safety guidelines are paramount for effective and safe operation.