Cub Cadet Z-Force 54 Z-Force 48 Operator's Manual - Page 32

4. Use a 1-1⁄8" socket wrench on the pulley side of the spindle bolt. 5. Remove the hex nut at the blade using a 1-1⁄8" wrench. 6. Remove the blade. 7. To replace the blade reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft. NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvenic 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. Sharpen blades evenly at the original 30° angle to maintain balanced cutting blades. Do not sharpen the underside of the blades. Use a electric blade sharpener, a conventional electric grinder or a hand file to sharpen the blades. 4. Replace any blade with severe nicks or dents that cannot be removed by filing. 5. Check the balance of the blade after sharpening by placing it on a blade balancer. Do not use un-balanced blades. 6. If the blade dips on one end, file stock off of the cutting surface on that end. NOTE: Blades that cannot be easily balanced - REPLACE. Changing the Spindle Assembly 1. Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and block it in that position. 2. Make sure the blade clutch is disengaged. 3. Remove the deck cover. 4. Remove the deck belts. (See Replacing the Deck Belt) 5. Remove the blade. (See Replacing the Blades) 6. Using a wrench or socket ratchet remove four hex nuts, and the four hex head cap screws. Remove the spindle assembly. See Figure 1-7. 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 control levers are in the neutral position. If your mower creeps do the following: 1. Jack up rear of the tractor. 2. Place drive control levers in the neutral position. 3. If the tires are rotating, the neutral position that side transaxle linkage will need to be adjusted. Contact your Cub Cadet Service Dealer. Hex Washer Screw Hex Nut Blade Spacer Spindle Assembly Blade 32 7. Flange Lock Nut Section 7- Service Figure 1-7 Reverse the process to install the spindle assembly.