Cub Cadet RZT 50 Operator's Manual page 28

Mower Blade Care
,_ WARNING: Before performing any main-
tenance, place the PTO switch in the
"OFF" position, engage the parking
brake lever, turn the ignition key to the
"OFF" position and remove the key from
the switch. When servicing the mower
deck, be careful not to cut yourself on
the sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
Sharpen the cutting 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, it is recommended that new blades
be installed. See Figure 33.
Wind
Wing 5/8" From
Radius
Figure 33
The blades may be removed as follows.
• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer
to Deck Removal on page 25) then gently flip the
deck over to expose its underside.
• Use a 15/16 inch wrench to hold the hex nut on
top of the spindle assembly 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
34.
• When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are
installed so that the wind wings are pointing
upward toward the top of the deck.
• Tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft. Ibs.
• Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on
page 25).
Hex Nut
Wood Block
In Position
Figure 34
DECK LUBRICATION
• After every 10 hours of operation and/or before
putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate
the spindle assemblies with 251H EP grease or
an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease. The lube fittings are located in the
spindle housing and can be accessed from
underneath the deck.
• After every 10 hours of operation and/or before
putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate
the deck idler bracket with 251H EP grease or
an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease. The lube fitting is located in the top of
the shoulder bolt securing the idler bracket.
• After every 25 hours of operation and/or before
putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate
the deck gauge wheels with 251H EP grease or
an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease.
28