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 (Figure 61).
If a blade is bent or otherwise damaged, replace the blade with a new one.
Use only original equipment blades.
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.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between
100 ft-lbs (136 N-m) and 130 ft-lbs (176 N-m).
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 Drive Belt.
5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the Blades.
PRODUCT CARE
WARNING
Figure 61
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING
6. Remove the hex flange bolts (a) and flat washers (b) securing the left and right
spindle pulleys (c) to the spindle assembly (d) (Figure 62).
7. Remove the 6 flange lock nuts (e) securing the left and right spindle assemblies
(d) and the support plates (f) to the deck shell (g) (Figure 62).
NOTE: The deck support plate (h) does not need to be removed unless all three
spindles are being replaced (Figure 62).
8. Remove the hex flange bolt (a) and flat washer (b) securing the drive pulley (c)
and center spindle pulley (d) to the spindle assembly (e) (Figure 63).
9. Remove the 6 flange lock nuts (f) securing the center spindle pulley (d), spindle
assembly (e) and the support plates (g) to the deck shell (h) (Figure 63).
NOTE: The deck support plate (i) does not need to be removed unless all three
spindles are being replaced (Figure 63).
10. Reverse the process to install the spindle assembly. When installing the new
spindle assembly be sure to install the hardware exactly (Figure 62). Torque the
hex flange bolts to 250 ft-lbs (339 N-m) and the flange lock nuts to 21-32 ft-lbs
(28-43 N-m).
37
a
b
c
e
f
g
h
d
Figure 62
a
b
c
d
f
g
h
i
e
Figure 63