Cub Cadet PRO Z 972L KW Owners Manual - Page 27

4. Use a 1-1⁄8" socket wrench on the pulley side of the hex screw (a) See Figure 4-19. (a) (c) (b) Figure 4-19 5. Remove the flange lock nut (b) at the blade (c) using a 1-1⁄8" wrench and remove the blade. 6. To replace the blade reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 ft.-lbs. 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. NOTE: Add a small amount of multipurpose grease to the bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvanic action. 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 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 4-20. Figure 4-20 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. 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. Warning! Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between 100 lbs-ft and 120 lbs-ft. Changing the Spindle Assembly 1. Remove the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section on page 24. 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 on page 25. 5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the Blades on page 25. 6. Using a 9⁄16 wrench or socket ratchet remove the flange lock nuts, and the hex flange bolts. Remove the spindle assembly. See Figure 4-21. (a) (c) (b) Figure 4-21 7. Reverse the process to install the spindle assembly. Changing the Transmission Drive Belt Several components must be removed and special tools used in order to change the tractor's transmission drive belt. See your Cub Cadet dealer to have the transmission drive belt replaced. Tractor Creeping Creeping is the slight forward or backward movement of the mower when the throttle is on and the drive levers are in the neutral position. If your mower creeps, see your Cub Cadet service dealer. SECTION 4 - SERVICE 27