Cub Cadet Z-Force 54 Z-Force 48 Operator's Manual - Page 31

4. Remove the four hair pins from the right and left side of the 4. Remove the blade drive belt from all the pulleys. deck lift bracket. See Figure 1-3. 5. Reverse the process to install the belt. See Figure 1-5 for proper belt routing. Deck Lift Bracket Hair Pin Hair Pin Figure 1-3 5. Shift the deck forward until the trailing link is free and you are able to remove the deck. 6. Turn the front caster wheels outward. 7. To install reverse the process. 8. Adjust the belt tension according to the instructions on page 28. Replacing the Deck Belt 1. Follow the instructions for removing the deck. 2. Unscrew the wing nuts from the deck covers and remove both covers. 3. Using a 3⁄8" socket breaker bar or socket ratchet insert the drive end into the 3⁄8" square opening in the lower idler arm assembly and push the idler arm counterclockwise. See Figure 1-4. While holding the idler arm back, loosen the deck belt from the pulley and slide the belt away from the pulley. Lower Idler Arm Assembly Figure 1-5 NOTE: When replacing belts do not overtighten. Adjust the idler pulley so that a ten-pound pull with a spring scale between two pulleys deflects the belt about 1⁄2". Replacing the Blades WARNING! Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position, 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 key from the ignition and disconnect the spark plug. 2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and block it in that position. 3. Wrap a rag around one end of the blade and grasp it to prevent it from turning, or secure the blade by placing a block of wood between the blade and the deck housing. See Figure 1-6. Figure 1-4 Section 7 - Service 31 Figure 1-6