Cub Cadet SC300B Operation Manual - Page 20

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE DECK CLEANING At least once a season and before storage, clean the underside of the mower deck to prevent build-up of grass clippings or other debris. 1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual. 2. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side down and making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up. Hold mower firmly. 3. Scrape and clean the underside of the deck with a suitable tool. Do not spray with water. IMPORTANT: Do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your mower. These may cause damage to bearings, or the engine. The use of water will result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. 4. Put the mower back on its wheels on the ground. Blade Care WARNING Wait for the blade to stop completely before performing any work on the mower or to remove the grass catcher. Check blade stopping time is within 3 seconds. If blade does not stop within 3 seconds contact your Service Center. WARNING When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands with a pair of heavy gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade. Annually check the mower blade mounting bolt torque: Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs (67.8 N-m). Periodically inspect the blade and blade adapter for bends or cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object or experience excessive vibration. Replace when necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service: 1. Allow the engine to run until it is out of fuel. Do not attempt to pour fuel from the engine. 2. Disconnect spark plug wire. Refer to Engine Operator's Manual. 3. Turn mower on its side keeping the muffler side down and making sure that the air filter and the carburetor are facing up. 4. Remove bolt (a) and blade bell support (b) which hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine crankshaft (Figure 36). 5. Remove blade (c) and blade adapter (d) from the crankshaft (Figure 36). 6. Remove blade from the blade adapter for testing balance. a. Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to check. b. Remove metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly. NOTE: When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the blade balanced. WARNING An unbalanced blade will cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to engine and blade could break causing personal injury. 7. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface of the blade adapter with light oil (Figure 36 inset). a. Slide the blade adapter (d) onto the engine crankshaft. b. Place the blade on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked "Grass Side" (or with part number) faces the ground when the mower is in the operating position. c. Make sure that the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter flanges. 8. Place blade bell support (b) on the blade (c). Align notches on the blade bell support with small holes in blade. 9. Replace hex bolt (a) and tighten hex bolt to torque: Min. 37.5 ft-lbs (50.8 N-m), Max. 50.0 ft-lbs (67.8 N-m). NOTE: To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically check the blade bolt for correct torque. d c b a Figure 36 20