Cub Cadet GT 2148 Garden Tractor GT 2148 Operator's Manual - Page 28

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 7-7. Changing the Deck Belt WARNING! The V-belts found on your tractor are specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A substitute (non-OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by not disengaging completely. For a proper working machine, use factory approved belts. All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be replaced if any signs of wear are present . To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows: 1. Remove the PTO belt as instructed earlier in this section under Cutting Deck Removal. 2. Remove the belt covers by removing the self-tapping screws that fasten them to the deck. 3. Working on the left side of the tractor, insert a ¹/2-inch drive ratchet wrench, set to loosen, into square hole found on the idler bracket. 4. Pivot the wrench rearward to move the deck drive pulley forward and relieve tension on the deck belt. Refer to Figure 7-4. WARNING! Avoid pinching injuries. Never place your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt. Figure 7-7 5. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the left-hand CAUTION: If the cutting edge of the blade has spindle pulley before slowly allowing the wrench to pivot previously been sharpened, or if any metal forward. separation is present, replace the blades with new ones. 6. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the right-hand spindle pulley, center pulley on applicable models and WARNING! A poorly balanced blade will cause deck idler pulleys. excessive vibration, may damage to the tractor and/ or result in personal injury. NOTE: The idler pulleys may have to be loosened, but not removed, in order to remove the belt from around them. 5. Test the blade's balance using a blade balancer. Grind metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. 7. Route the new belt as shown in the applicable figure on the following pages. NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked ''Bottom'' (or with NOTE: Use a ¹/2-inch drive ratchet wrench as instructed in earlier steps when routing the new belt. a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the 8. Retighten idler pulleys, if loosened earlier. mower is in the operating position. 9. Remount the belt guards removed earlier. CAUTION: Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 110 lbs-ft and 130 lbs-ft. 28 Section 7- Service