Clean Deck & Check/Replace Mower Blades; Blade Removal; Balancing The Blade; Blade Installation - Craftsman ZT 7000 Operator's Manual

CLEAN DECK &
CHECK / REPLACE MOWER BLADES
Service lntervaJ: 25 hours or as required,
WARNmNG
For your personaJ safety, do not handle the sharp
mower blades with bare hands. Caretess or
improper handling of blades may result in serious
injury.
WARNING
For your persona! safety, blade mounting
capscrews must each be installed with a
hex/spHne washer and spring washer, then
securely tightened. Torque blade mounting
capscrew to 45 - 55 ft. tbs. (61 - 75 N.m.)
1, Remove mower deck (see "Mower Deck Removar in
the OPERATION section),
2, See Figure 18, Remove Made to inspect it or to safe°
Uyaccess the underside of the mower deck, Use a
bbck of wood to prevent Made rotation while bosem
ing the capscrew by turning it counterclockwise,
3, Remove the capscrew (D, Figure 20), spring washer
(C), hex washer (B), and blade,
4, Clean the underside of the mower deck,
5, Inspect the blades for nicks or dull edges, Use a file
to sharpen blade to a fine edge, If the blade is dam-
aged, it must be replaced,
6, Balance the blade as shown in Figure 19, Center the
blade's hole on a nail lubricated with a drop of oil, A
balanced blade will remain level, If the blade is not
balanced, continue to sharpen the heavy side until it
balances,
7, Reinstall the blade with the lift wings (E, Figure 20)
pointing up toward the mower deck as shown,
8, Reinstall the hex washer (B, Figure 20), spring wash-
er (C) and capscrew (D), Use a wooden block (A) to
prevent blade rotation while tightening the capscrew
(D) to 45-55 ft, Ibs, (61-75 N,m), Turn capscrew
clockwise to tighten,
LOOSEN
Figure 18. Blade RemovaJ
Nail
Figure 19. BaJancing The Btade
Figure 20. BJade Installation
A. 4x4 Wood BJock
B. Hex Washer
C. Spring Washer
D. Blade Capscrew
E. Lift Wings
2O