Hustler Turf Mini Fastrack - Manual (Page 24)

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WARNING: If the pump belt fails, loss of control will occur
especially when operating on a slope. If you lose steering con-
trol while operating the machine, place the steering control
levers in the park brake position immediately. Inspect the
machine and involve your Hustler dealer to resolve the
problem before continuing to operate.
Inspect the belt pulley grooves and flanges for wear. A new belt, or one
in good condition, should never run against the bottom of the groove.
Replace the pulley when this is the case, otherwise belt will lose power and
slip excessively.
Never pry a belt to get it on a pulley as this will cut or damage the fibers
of the belt covering.
Keep oil and grease away from belts, and never use belt dressings. Any
of these will destroy the belt composition in a very short time.
Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power efficiency and
well groomed turf. Keep them sharp, a dull blade will tear rather than cut the
grass, leaving a brown ragged top on the grass within a few hours. A dull
blade also requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
WARNING: Never attempt to straighten a bent blade by heat-
ing, or weld a cracked or broken blade as the blade may break
and cause serious injury. Replace worn or damaged blades.
DANGER: Never work with blades while engine is running or
deck clutch switch is engaged (on). Always place deck clutch
switch in the disengaged position, place steering control levers
in the park brake position and turn engine off and disconnect
negative battery cable. Block up mower when you must work
under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for
blade damage if mower strikes rock, branch or other foreign
object during mowing!
WARNING: Always wear adequate eye protection when grind-
ing mower blades.
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place steer-
ing control levers in the park brake position and turn engine off and discon-
nect negative battery cable. Block up mower when you must work under it.
Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for blade damage if
mower strikes rock, branch or other foreign object during mowing!
Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw holding the blade to
the spindle shaft from underneath. NOTE: A blade holding tool (part number
381442) is available from Hustler Turf Equipment. It is designed to prevent
the blades from rotating when they are being removed or installed on the
spindle. Contact your Hustler dealer for more information.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown (Fig. 4-6).
Touch-up sharpening can be done with a file.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A commercial balanc-
ing tool is available through most hardware supply stores, or balancing can be
done by placing the blade on an inverted line punch or 5/8" bolt. Blade
should not lean or tilt. Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If
blade is out of balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion (Fig. 4-7 and 4-8).
Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or undercut
threads. Torque bolts on spindles to 118 foot-pounds (160.01nm) when rein-
stalling blades.
IMPORTANT: The blade sail (curved part) must be pointing upward
toward the inside of the deck to ensure proper cutting.
WARNING: When mounting blades, rotate them after installa-
tion to ensure blade tips do not touch each other or sides of the
mower.
Figure 4-6
Figure 4-7
Figure 4-8
Resharpening
pattern
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below).
It is easier to get a straight cutting edge following
the resharpening pattern show above.
Original edge
Warped Blade (Replace)
Warped Blade (Replace)
Cutting edge
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades
Original edge
Cutting edge
Twisted Blade Edge
(replace)
Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing
twisted and straightened blades
Cutting
plane
Cutting Plane