Cutting Blades - MTD 760 Operator's Manual

Cutting Blades

WARNING!
Shut the engine off and remove
ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for
sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by
using heavy gloves when grasping the blade.
WARNING!
Periodically inspect the blade and/or
spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you've
struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine
until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blades, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to
Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section) then gently
flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing
baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer.
See Figure 7-5.
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the
spindle assembly. See Figure 7-5.
Figure 7-5
4. To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove equal
amounts of metal from both ends of the blades along the
cutting edges, parallel to the trailing edge, at a 25°- to 30°
angle. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See Figure 7-6.
CAUTION:
If the cutting edge of the blade has
previously been sharpened, or if any metal
separation is present, replace the blades with new
ones.
WARNING!
A poorly balanced blade will cause
excessive vibration, may cause damage to the
tractor and/or result in personal injury.
Figure 7-6
5. Test the blade's balance using a blade balancer. Grind
metal from the heavy side until it balances evenly.
NOTE: When replacing the blade, be sure to install the blade with
the side of the blade marked ''Bottom'' (or with a part number
stamped in it) facing the ground when the mower is in the
operating position.
CAUTION:
Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft
and 90 lbs-ft.
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