Removing The Cutting Deck; Replacing Cutting Blades - Ryobi RM480ex Series Operator's Manual

REMOVING THE CUTTING DECK

See Figure 16.
If desired, the cutting deck can be removed from the mower
to make accessing the blades easier when changing.
 Make sure direction control switch is in neutral (N) posi-
tion and blade engage knob is down.
 Stop the motor, remove the start key, and set the parking
brake.
 Disconnect the cables that connect the cutting deck to
the mower.
 Lower the cutting deck to its lowest position.
 Remove the 4 hitch pins and washers that secure the
cutting deck in place.
 Slide the deck out from under the mower.
 Reverse the process to reattach the cutting deck to the
mower.

REPLACING CUTTING BLADES

See Figures 17 - 19.
CAUTION:
Only use replacement blades and blade bolts authorized
by the manufacturer of your riding mower. Use of blades
and blade bolts not authorized is hazardous and may
damage your riding mower.
 Make sure direction control switch is in neutral (N) position
and blade engage knob is down.
 Stop the motor, remove the start key, and set the parking
brake.
 Raise the height of the cutting deck to its highest position
to allow access to blades.
NOTE: If necessary, raise the mower by placing on a lift
or using a jack and jack stands, or remove the cutting
deck as described in the previous section to gain access
to the blades.
WARNING:
If raising the mower to access the blades, make sure the
mower is properly secured and the parking brake is set
before proceeding. Failure to properly secure the mower
could cause it to fall, resulting in death or possible serious
personal injury.
 Wedge a block of wood between the blade and mower
deck to prevent the blade from turning.
MAINTENANCE
WRENCH
21 — English
CUTTING
DECK
WASHER
BLOCK OF WOOD
CABLE
HITCH PIN
Fig. 16
BLADE
Fig. 17