Cub Cadet Pro Z 500 Operator's Manual page 27

4. Use a 1-1⁄8" socket wrench on the pulley
side of the hex screw (a) See Figure 4-18.
(a)
(c)
(b)
Figure 4-18
5. Remove the flange lock nut (b) at the
blade (c) using a 1-1⁄8" wrench and
remove the blade.
6. To replace the blade reverse the above
process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft.
NOTE: When replacing the blade, be
sure to install the blade with the side of
the blade marked ''Bottom'' or "Grass
Side" (or with a part number stamped in
it) facing the ground when the mower is
in the operating position.
NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-
purpose grease to the bolt threads to
avoid corrosion and galvanic action.
Warning!
Never mow with dull
blades. Blades that are bent
should be replaced. The cutting
blades are sharp and can cause
severe injury. Wrap the cutting
surface of the blade with a rag to
avoid injury.
Sharpening the Blades
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Clean any debris from the blades. Keep
blades sharp and free of build up at all
times.
3. 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°-30° angle. Always grind
each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See
Figure 4-19.
Figure 4-19
Warning!
If a blade is bent or
otherwise damaged, replace the
blade with a new one. Use only
original equipment blades.
Warning!
A poorly balanced
blade will cause excessive
vibration, may damage the
machine and/or result in
personal injury.
4. 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 "Grass
Side" (or with a part number stamped in
it) facing the ground when the mower is
in the operating position.
Warning!
Use a torque wrench
to tighten the blade spindle hex
flange nut to between 100 lbs-ft
and 120 lbs-ft.
Changing the Spindle Assembly
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the
Deck Removal section on page 24.
2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck
about one foot and block it in that
position.
3. Remove the deck cover.
4. Remove the drive belts. See Replacing
the Deck belt on page 25.
5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the
Blades on page 25.
6. Using a 9⁄16 wrench or socket ratchet
remove the flange lock nuts, and the
hex flange bolts. Remove the spindle
assembly. See Figure 4-20.
(a)
(c)
(b)
Figure 4-20
7. Reverse the process to install the spindle
assembly.
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt
Several components must be removed and
special tools used in order to change the
tractor's transmission drive belt. See your Cub
Cadet dealer to have the transmission drive
belt replaced.
Tractor Creeping
Creeping is the slight forward or backward
movement of the mower when the throttle
is on and the speed control pedals are in the
neutral position. If your mower creeps, see your
Cub Cadet service dealer.
S 4 — S
ection ervice
27