Dixon 503 - Manual (Page 18)

Page 15
CARE AND MAINTENANCE - MODEL 503
MOWER DECK SERVICE: CUTTER BLADE REMOVAL - BELT TENSION.
"CAUTION" The removal of the cutter blades for either sharpening or replacement is best
accomplished by removing the deck assembly from the mower Do not attempt to
raise or lift the front of the mower unless proper safety equipment is
available to support the mower. If you do not have the necessary equipment,
entrust this task to your dealer.
DECK REMOVAL:
1. Remove front belt access cover from body. Stand in front of 'he mower, grasp
lift quadrant lever with left hand. Move lever to align with the (5th) hole
from the bottom on the quadrant plate. At this time, connect brake link into
hole on lift lever. Move lift lever toward lowest cut position and remove
belt from the top of center deck hub assembly,
2. Remove the hair pin cotters from the ends of the deck support rods Slide deck
support rods from deck while supporting deck assembly whh a suitable brace,
or by the use of an assistant to hold the deck while rods are removed. Slide
deck from under chassis.
3. Reverse procedure to re-install deck assembly.
CUTTER BLADE REMOVAL:
1. Carefully place deck assembly in a manner which will allow access to the blade
bolts. Hold blade from turning while bolt is removed from the center of each hub
assembly. "Caution" wear heavy, thick gloves when holding onto cutter blade,
avoid the sharp edge of the blade.
2. When re-assembling blades to hub assemblies, fully tighten blade bolts to
a minimum of (35 ft. lbs.) torque. The use of air impact tools is recommended for
installation to insure bolt tightness.
BELT TENSION:
1. The engine to mower deck drive belt on the Model 503 is automatically held in
proper tension by springs which push the deck assembly forward, and does not
require any additional adjustment to be made. Both the belt and the idler
system should be periodically inspected due to the nature of the job they
perform.
2. Serpentine deck belt tension is maintained by a manual adjustment rod
which is located on the top of the mower deck assembly. Proper belt :
tension is critical to insure cut quality. If adjustment is required,
tighten lock nut on adjustment rod until belt free play or movement
between pulleys is approximately 1/4 of an inch.