GB - 12
MOWER BLADES
Check mower blades for wear every 25 hours of
operation. Ensure blade hardware is tightened to
50-60 lbf-ft (68-81 N•m).
Check blade for nicks and dull cutting edges. Sharpen if
necessary.
Check blade for rounded or broken ends, thinned metal
or other damage. Replace if necessary.
To Remove and Install Mower Blade:
1. Stop engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, and
remove ignition key.
2. Block blade to prevent rotation.
3. Remove nut, flat washer, and mower blade.
4. Replace mower blade.
5. Tighten hardware to 50-60 lbf-ft (68-81 N•m).
Sharpen the Mower Blades (Figure 5)
NOTE:
Blades should be sharpened and balanced
professionally. Contact your Ariens Dealer.
1. Remove mower blade from unit.
Discard mower blade if:
•
More than 1/2 in. (1.27 cm) of metal is removed.
•
Air lifts become eroded.
•
Blade is bent or broken.
NOTE:
DO NOT change angle of cutting edge or round
the corner of the mower blade.
2. Sharpen mower blade by removing an equal
amount of material from each end of mower blade.
3. Check mower blade balance.
4. Slide mower blade on an unthreaded bolt. A
balanced blade should remain in a horizontal
position. If either end of mower blade moves
downward, sharpen the heavy end until blade is
balanced.
5. Install mower blade on unit.
6. Tighten hardware to 50-60 lbf-ft (68-81 N•m).
MOWER DECK REMOVAL AND
INSTALLATION
Remove (figure 7)
1. Lower mower deck to lowest position.
2. Remove height adjuster link (item 8) from center lift
lever (item 1).
3. Remove rear hanger (item 3) from rear hanger
bracket (item 2).
4. Remove front hanger bracket (item 7) and pin
(item 5) from slotted bracket (item 6).
5. Remove mower drive belt from electric clutch (see
Replacing Mower Drive Belt
on page 14).
6. Slide mower deck out from under unit.
Install (figure 7)
1. Slide mower deck under unit.
2. Install front hanger bracket (item 7) on slotted
bracket (item 6) with pin (item 5).
3. Install rear hanger (item 3) on rear hanger bracket
(item 2).
4. Install height adjuster link (item 8) on center lift
lever (item 1).
5. Install mower drive belt on electric clutch (see
Replacing Mower Drive Belt
on page 14).
CAUTION:
DO NOT sharpen mower blades
while on unit. An unbalanced mower blade will
cause excessive vibration and eventual damage
to unit. Check mower blade balance before
reinstalling blades.
NEVER weld or straighten bent blades.
1. Air Lift
Erosion Area
2. Cutting Edge
Figure 5
OA0014
2
1
DO NOT Resharpen to this Pattern
Resharpen to this Pattern
DISCARD if
more than
1/2 in.
(1.27 cm)
SERVICE AND ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
AVOID INJURY. Read and
understand the entire
Safety
section before
proceeding.
