Mulching; Warning - Cub Cadet 2166 Operator's Manual

WARNING

When servicing the mower deck, be careful not
to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of
the mowing season or when buildup of cut material on
the underside is noticed. Also remove the belt covers
and remove any accumulated grass clippings.
If using the mulching option, clean the underside of the
deck frequently. A buildup of grass clippings will
prevent proper mulching.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
NOTE
Sharpen the cutting and mulching edges of the
blades evenly so that the blades remain
balanced and the same angle of sharpness is
maintained. If the cutting edge of a blade has
been sharpened to within 5/8 inch of the wind
wing radius (see Figure 58), it is recommended
that new blades be installed. New blades are
available at your authorized dealer.
WOOD
HEX
BLOCK
NUT
BLADE
1-1/8 INCH WRENCH
Figure 58
When removing the blades, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench to
hold the hex head of the spindle bolt when loosening
the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may
be placed between the deck housing and the cutting
edge of the blade to assist in removal of the hex nut
securing the blade (Refer to Figure 58).
5/8" From
Radius
43
After replacing the blades, apply grease the exposed
threads at the bottom of the spindle bolts to prevent
rust buildup.
When replacing the blades, be sure they are installed so
that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the top of
the deck housing. Tighten the nuts to 90 to 110 ft-lbs.
(122 to 149 N·m).
LUBRICATION
NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a pressure
washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They may
cause damage to electrical components; spindles;
pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The use of water will
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability.
After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting
the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle as-
semblies and the spindle belt idler arm with 251H EP
grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease. Excess grease will be expelled from the invert-
ed upper seals of the spindle assemblies. Listen for
the muffled crackling noise of grease being expelled
through the seal to indicate the spindle assembly is ful-
ly greased. Refer to Figure 59.
Every 50 hours, or twice yearly, lubricate the double
pulley with 251H EP grease or an equivalent No. 2
multipurpose lithium grease. Do not over lubricate.
Refer to Figure 59.
3
5
4
2
7
8
1. Spindle Belt Cover
2. Flange Lock Nuts
3. Idler Arm Lever
4. Stop Bracket
5. Front Ball Wheels
Figure 59
6
6
1
1
2
5
6. Spindle Assembly
Grease Fittings
7. Idler Arm
Grease Fitting
8. Double Pulley