Cub Cadet PRO Z 960 L EFI Operation Manual - Page 26

Replacing the Blades WARNING Before performing any maintenance, disengage the PTO, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the "OFF" position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades. 1. Remove the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section. 2. For easier access, flip the deck over, then jack up the front of the deck about one foot and block it in that position. To remove the blade: 1. Secure the blade from turning counterclockwise during service by placing a block of wood between the blade and the deck housing, see Figure 4-22, or wrap a rag around one end of the blade and wear heavy gloves to grasp the blade firmly. Figure 4-22 2. Remove the flange lock nut (a) and flat washer (b) from the spindle shaft and remove the blade (c). See Figure 4-23. (a) (b) (c) 2. Carefully place the flat washer on the spindle shaft. Be sure that the splines at the base of the spindle shaft threads line up with the washer splines. See Figure 4-24. Figure 4-24 3. Secure the blade from turning clockwise when reinstalling the flange lock nut (the opposite direction of blade removal). 4. Install the flange lock nut onto the spindle shaft over the blade and flat washer. Torque to 100-130 ft-lbs (136-176 N-m). 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 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. See Figure 4-25. 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. 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 "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 ft-lbs and 120 ft-lbs. 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 Deck Belt. 5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the Blades. 6. Remove the hex flange bolts (a) and flat washers (b) securing the left and right spindle pulleys (c) to the spindle assembly (d). See Figure 4-26. (a) (b) (c) (e) (f) (g) Figure 4-23 To replace or reinstall the blade: 1. Put the blade in place on the spindle shaft. Be sure to install the blade with the side marked "Bottom", "Grass Side" or with a part number stamped facing the ground when the deck is reinstalled on the tractor and in the operating position. Figure 4-25 (h) (d) Figure 4-26 7. Remove the six (6) flange lock nuts (e) securing the left and right spindle assemblies (d) and the support plates (f) to the deck shell (g). See Figure 4-26. Note: The deck support plate (h) does not need to be removed unless all three spindles are being replaced. 26 Section 4- Product Care