Blades - Craftsman 247.20400 series Operator's Manual

Replacing the Belt
1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck Removal).
2. Loosen, but do not remove the hardware on the right and left idler pulley.
Refer to Figure 29 for 42" decks and Figure 30 for 50" decks.
42" Decks
Spindle Pulley
Idler Pulley
Idler Arm
PTO Pulley
50" Decks
Spindle Pulley
Spindle Pulley
Idler Pulley
Idler Arm
PTO Pulley
NOTE: Take note of the position of the belt guards to ensure they are properly
re-installed.
NOTE: On Some decks it may be necessary to remove the spindle covers to
remove and/or install the new belt. To remove the spindle covers, remove
the screws securing them to the deck.
3. Carefully remove the belt from around the idler pulleys and the spindle pulleys.
4. Install the new belt around the pulleys as shown and reinstall the belt covers.
5. Place the belt around the idler pulleys removed in step 3 with the "V" side
facing in. Once in place, reinstall all the hardware and tighten the flange lock
nut to secure the assembly.
6. Route the belt as shown and then reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation).
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
Spindle Pulley
Belt Guards
Idler Pulley
Figure 29
Belt Guards
Idler Pulley
Spindle Pulley
Figure 30
Mower Blade Care
Before performing any maintenance, 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. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves
when handling the blades. 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 already been sharpened many times, or if any
metal separation is present, it is recommended that new blades be installed. Only
use identical replacement blades. To purchase blades, call 1-888-331-4569.
The blades may be removed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the riding mower, (refer to Deck Removal)
then gently flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Use a 15⁄16" 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 help in
breaking loose the hex nut securing the blade. See Figure 31.
Hex Flange Nut
NOTE: If any metal separation is present, replace the blades with new ones.
25
WARNING
Wood Block
Spindle Assembly
Figure 31