Woods DS8.50 Operator's Manual page 23

BLADE SERVICING
Removing Blades
(Figure 11)
NOTICE
■
If blade pin (12) is seized in crossbar and
extreme force will be needed to remove it, support
crossbar from below to prevent gearbox damage.
1. Disconnect driveline from tractor PTO.
2. Open blade access cover and align crossbar (8)
with blade access hole in the cutter frame. Remove
cap screw (32), blade pin lock clip (16), keyhole
plate (15), and shims (13 & 14). Carefully drive
blade pin (12) out of crossbar.
3. Rotate crossbar (8) and repeat for opposite blade.
Installing Blades
CAUTION
 Your dealer can supply genuine replacement
blades. Substitute blades may not meet original
equipment specifications and may be dangerous.
NOTICE
■
Crossbar rotation has counterclockwise rota-
tion on left gearbox and clockwise rotation on the
right gearbox when looking down on cutter. Be
sure to install blade cutting edge to lead in correct
rotation.
8. Crossbar
9. Blade
12. Blade pin
13. Shim
14. Shim
15. Keyhole plate
16. Blade pin lock clip
32. Cap screw
Figure 11. Blade Assembly
NOTE: Always replace or sharpen both blades at the
same time.
1. Inspect blade pin (12) for nicks or gouges, and if
you find any, replace the blade pin.
MAN1168 (5/27/2016)
2. Insert blade pin through the blade (9). Blade
should swivel on blade pin; if it doesn't, determine
the cause and correct.
3. Align crossbar (8) with blade access hole in cutter
frame. Apply a liberal coating of Never Seez
equivalent to blade pin and crossbar hole. Make
sure blade offset is away from cutter. Push blade
pin through crossbar. Pin should rotate freely prior
to installing blade clip (16).
4. Install shims (13 & 14) over blade pin.
NOTE: Only use enough shims to allow keyhole
plate (15) to slide into blade pin groove.
5. Install blade clip (16) over keyhole plate and into
blade pin groove.
6. Secure into position with cap screw (32). Torque
cap screw to 85 lbs ft.
7. Repeat steps for opposite side.
NOTE: Blade should be snug but should swivel on
pin without having to exert excessive force. Keep
any spacers not used in the installation as replace-
ments or for future installation.
Sharpening Blades
NOTICE
■
When sharpening blades, grind the same
amount on each blade to maintain balance.
Replace blades in pairs. Unbalanced blades will
cause excessive vibration, which can damage
gearbox bearings. Vibration may also cause struc-
tural cracks to cutter.
1. Sharpen both blades at the same time to maintain
balance. Follow original sharpening pattern.
2. Do not sharpen blade to a razor edge—leave at
least a 1/16" blunt edge.
3. Do not sharpen back side of blade.
Figure 12. Sharpen Blade Cutting Edge
Owner Service 23
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