8.
Feed the deck belt through the belt keeper bracket and work it around and
onto the PTO drive pulley as shown in Figure 33.
Tires
WARNING
Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure shown on the sidewall of tire.
The recommended operating tire pressure is:
•
Approximately 10 psi for the rear tires
•
Approximately 14 psi for the front tires
IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer's recommended
or maximum psi. Do not overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting
deck to mow unevenly.
Cutting Blade
WARNING
Shut the engine off and remove ignition key before removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by using heavy
gloves when grasping the blade.
WARNING
Periodically inspect the blade and/or spindle for cracks or damage,
especially after you've struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine
until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blade, proceed as follows.
NOTE: It may be easier to change the blade by first removing the deck from
beneath the tractor, (refer to Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section)
then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside. It is possible to change
the blade, however, with the deck still attached to the tractor. If attempting
to change the blade with the deck still installed on the tractor, first move the
deck lift lever to its highest cutting position.
1.
Remove the mulch plug, deck chute or bagging chute, if equipped, exposing
the deck chute opening.
2.
Using a block of wood or 2 x 4, insert it into the deck opening and rotate the
blade around until it wedges the wood between the deck opening and the
cutting blade, as shown in Figure 39.
3.
Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the spindle assembly,
and remove the blade. See the Inset of Figure 39.
NOTE: The deck spindle has a normal thread. To loosen, rotate the flange lock
nut counterclockwise.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
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. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See Figure 40.
If the cutting edge of the blade has previously been sharpened, or if any
metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may cause damage to
the tractor 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 with a part number stamped in it) facing the
ground when the mower is in the operating position.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between
70 lbs-ft and 90 lbs-ft.
27
Figure 39
Figure 40
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION