Cub Cadet Time Save - Manual (Page 18)

1
WARNING
Maintaining
the Lawn
Mower
WARNING: Always stop
engine, disconnect spark
plug, and remove ignition
key before performing any
type of maintenance on
the mower. Failure to fol-
low this instruction could
result in personal injury
and/or property damage.
WARNING: Never exceed
the maximum inflation
pressure shown on the
sidewall of the tire.
Wood block
Flange Nut
Figure 5-13: Grind cutting edges following angle.
Servicing the Cutting Blades
WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine
off and disconnect the spark plug wire
and ground against the engine to prevent
unintended starting before removing
the cutting blade(s) for sharpening or
replacement. Protect your hands by
using heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the
cutting blade.
WARNING: Periodically inspect the blade
spindles for cracks or damage, especially
if you strike a foreign object. Replace
immediately if damaged.
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp.
When working near blades, wear heavy
leather gloves or wrap blades in thick
rags to protect yourself from the sharp
edges
Blade Removal
Remove the deck from beneath the mower and gen-
tly flip the deck over to expose its underside. Refer
to “Removing the Mower Deck” for instructions.
Place a block of wood between the deck housing
and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer,
Figure 5-12.
Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to
the spindle assembly, Figure 5-12.
Blade Sharpening
IMPORTANT: If any metal separation is present, replace
the blades with new ones.
To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove
equal amounts of metal from both ends of the
blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the
trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle, Figure 5-13.
It is important that each cutting blade edge be
ground equally to maintain proper blade balance. A
poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
and may cause damage to the mower and result in
personal injury. The blade can be tested by balanc-
ing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Grind metal from
the heavy side until it balances evenly.
1.
2.
3.
1.
•
Figure 5-12: Use a block of wood to stabilize blade.
Blade Installation
When installing a blade, be sure to install the
blade with the side of the blade with a part number
stamped in it facing the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the spindle flange nut
to between 70-90 foot-pounds. 1.
2.
Rear Tire Pressure
WARNING: Never exceed the maximum
inflation pressure shown on the sidewall
of tire.
The recommended operating rear tire pressure is approxi-
mately 20 psi for the rear tires.
IMPORTANT: Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire
manufacturer’s recommended or maximum psi. Do
not overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the
cutting deck to mow unevenly.