MTD Yard Machines LT31CS Operator's Manual page 10

6. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing hole,
Figure 8.
7. Put the blade retainer and nut on the output shaft.
Make sure that the blade is installed correctly.
8. Tighten nut counterclockwise against the blade while
holding the locking rod:
• If using a torque wrench and an 5/8 inch socket
tighten to:
37 - 38 N•m; 325 - 335 in•lb; 27 - 28 ft.•lb.
• Without a torque wrench, use a 5/8 inch closed-end or
socket wrench, turning the nut until the blade retainer is
snug against the shaft bushing. Make sure that the blade
is installed correctly, then rotate the nut an additional 1/4
to 1/2 turn counterclockwise, Figure 13.
1/4-1/2 turn
Counterclockwise
FIGURE 13
9. Remove the locking rod from the locking rod slot.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury or
damage to the unit, do not start or operate this
unit with the locking rod in the locking rod slot.
WARNING: Do not sharpen the cutting blade.
Sharpening the blade can cause the blade tip
to break off while in use. This can result in
severe personal injury. Replace the blade.
REMOVING THE CUTTING BLADE AND
INSTALLING THE CUTTING HEAD
Remove the Cutting Blade
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
always wear gloves while handling or installing
the blade.
1. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod
slot and insert the locking rod into the bushing hole,
Figure 8.
2. Hold the locking rod in place by grasping it next to
the boom of the unit, Figure 14.
3. While holding the locking rod, loosen the nut on
the blade by turning it clockwise with a 5/8 inch
closed-end or socket wrench, Figure 14.
4. Remove the nut, blade retainer, and blade. Store the
nut and blade together for future use in a secure
place. Store out of reach of children.
Install the Cutting Head
5. Align the shaft bushing hole with the locking rod slot and
insert the locking rod into the shaft bushing hole,
Figure 8. Place the blade retainer on the output shaft with
the flat surface against the output shaft bushing as
shown in Figure 15. Screw the cutting head
counterclockwise onto the output shaft. Tighten securely.
Cutting Head
Blade Retainer
Output Shaft Bushing
Locking Rod
NOTE: The blade retainer must be installed on the
output shaft in the position shown for the
cutting head to work correctly.
6. Remove the locking rod.
7. Install the cutting head guard. See Removing and
Installing Cutting Head Guard instructions.
WARNING: To avoid serious personal injury,
the cutting head guard MUST be in place at all
times while operating the unit as a grass
trimmer.
10
Clockwise
FIGURE 14
FIGURE 15