Service; Cleaning And General Maintenance; Mower Blade Removal & Installation; Sharpening Blades - Ventrac LQ450 Operator Manual And Parts Drawings

Always set the parking brake, shut off power
unit engine, remove the ignition key, and ensure
all moving parts have come to a complete stop
before inspecting components or attempting any
repair or adjustment.
Attention
If any component requires replacement, use only
original Ventrac replacement parts.

Cleaning and General Maintenance

For best results, and to maintain the finish of the
mower, clean or wash the mower to remove accu-
mulated clippings, leaves, and dirt when the job is
finished.
If washing the deck, do not spray directly into bearings
or seals. After washing, it is important to run the mower
so that water does not reside on seals of bearings for
the drive system. When washing is complete, activate
the PTO for 30 seconds to remove any standing water.
Mower Blade Removal & Installation
Mower blades may be sharp. Always wear
safety glasses, leather gloves, and a long
sleeve shirt when working with mower blades.
1. Use a hoist to lift the deck up and secure in a
position that provides easy access to the under-
side of the deck.
2. Place a short piece of 2 x 4 wood between the
end of the blade and an appropriate structural
part of the underside of the deck to prevent the
blade from rotating.
3. Loosen the left blade bolt counterclockwise and
remove the blade for sharpening or replacement.
Loosen the right blade bolt clockwise and remove
the blade for sharpening or replacement.
NOTE: the mower blades are bidirectional.
Switching the blades from one spindle to the
other will use the opposite edge of the blade.
When the edges are worn, remove the blades
and sharpen both sides of the blade.
4. When installing a blade, the wood block must be
placed on the opposite side to prevent rotation
for tightening the blade bolt.
5. Tighten the blade bolt to 75-80 ft. lbs.

SERVICE

Sharpening Blades

Blades should be sharpened and balanced by a pro-
fessional. Maintain balance, same bevel, and length
of sharpened surface.

Deck Belt Inspection

Inspecting the drive belt of the mower can prevent
sudden belt failure by finding problems before they
cause a belt to break. Typical wear on a drive belt
may result in the conditions shown in the diagram.
If any of these conditions occur, the drive belt will
require replacement.
Deck Belt Replacement
1. Detach the mower deck from the power unit.
2. Remove the top deck covers.
3. Remove the old deck belt.
4. Install the new deck belt. Place belt into the pul-
ley system according to the belt diagram located
on the underside of the top deck cover.
5. Ensure the belt is engaged in the groove of each
spindle pulley and around each of the idler pulleys.

Tire Pressure

The tire pressure should be maintained at 18-20 psi.
Service - 18