32
REPLACING CUTTING BLADES (See Fig. 25&26)
CAUTION!
Only use replacement blades and blade bolts authorized by the manufacturer of your riding mower.
Use of blades and blade bolts not authorized is hazardous and may damage your riding mower.
• Make sure direction control switch is in neutral (N) position and blade engage knob is down.
• Stop the motor, remove the start key, and set the parking pedal.
• Raise the height of the cutting deck to its highest position to allow access to blades.
NOTE:
If necessary, raise the mower by placing on a lift or using a jack and jack stands, or remove the
cutting deck as described in the previous section to gain access to the blades.
WARNING!
If raising the mower to access the blades, make sure the mower is properly secured and the parking
pedal is set before proceeding. Failure to properly secure the mower could cause it to fall, resulting
in death or possible serious personal injury.
• Wedge a block of wood between the blade and mower deck to prevent the blade from turning.
• Loosen the blade nut by turning it counterclockwise (as viewed from bottom of mower) using a 15 mm
wrench or socket (not provided).
• Remove the blade nut, spacer, blade insulator, and blade.
• Place the new blade on the shaft against the corresponding blade posts. Ensure blade is properly
seated with shaft going through center blade hole and the two blade posts inserted into their respective
holes on the blade. Make sure it is installed with the curved ends pointing up toward the mower deck
and not down toward the ground. When seated properly, the blade should be flat against the blade
posts.
• Replace the blade insulator and spacer, making sure the flat sides on each piece align and the straight
sides of the opening on the spacer are aligned with the straight sides of the blade shaft.
NOTE:
Make certain all parts are replaced in the exact order in which they were removed.
• Thread the blade nut on the shaft and finger tighten.
• Torque the blade nut down clockwise using a torque wrench (not provided) to ensure the bolt is properly
tightened. The recommended torque for the blade nut is 600-650 in. lbs.
• Repeat with second blade, if needed.
WARNING!
Ensure blade is properly seated and the blade nut is tightened to the torque
specifications above. Failure to properly attach the blade could cause it to come loose and result in
possible serious personal injury.
MAINTENANCE AND STOARGE
Fig. 25
Wrench
Blade