Cub Cadet Pro Z 900 Series Operator's Manual page 26

4. The speed nut should hold the carriage
screw (c) and tab bolt in place, if not
re-install as shown in Figure 4-23.
5. Using a 1⁄2" drive insert the end into the
1⁄2" square opening in the deck idler
assembly (a) and rotate the deck idler
assembly (a) clockwise. See Figure 4-24.
While holding the deck idler assembly
(a), loosen the deck belt from the pulley
and slide the belt away from the pulley.
(a)
Figure 4-24
WARNING
Avoid pinching injuries. Never place your fingers on
the idler spring or between the belt and a pulley while
removing the belt.
6. Route the new belt as shown in Figure
4-24. Then reinstall the deck and PTO
belt.
Replacing the Blades
WARNING
Before performing any maintenance, disengage the
PTO, 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.
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the
Deck Removal section on page 24.
2. For easier access, flip the deck over, then
jack up the front of the deck about one
foot and block it in that position.
To remove the blade:
1. Secure the blade from turning counter
clockwise during service by placing a
block of wood between the blade and
the deck housing, see Figure 4-25, or
wrap a rag around around one end of
the blade and grasp the blade firmly.
Figure 4-25
26 S 4— P
ection roduct
2. Remove the flange lock nut (a) and flat
washer (b) from the spindle shaft, and
remove the blade (c). See Figure 4-26.
To replace or reinstall the blade:
1. Add a small amount of multi-purpose
grease to the spindle shaft threads to
avoid corrosion and galvanic action.
2. Put the blade in place on the spindle
shaft. Be sure to install the blade with
the side marked "Bottom", "Grass Side"
or with a part number stamped facing
the ground when the deck is reinstalled
on the tractor and in the operating
position.
3. Carefully place the flat washer on the
spindle shaft. Be sure that the splines at
the base of the spindle shaft threads line
up with the washer splines. See Figure
4-27.
4. Secure the blade from turning clockwise
when reinstalling the flange lock
nut (the opposite direction of blade
removal).
5. Install the flange lock nut onto the
spindle shaft over the blade and flat
washer. Torque to 100-130 ft-lbs (136-176
N-m).
Never mow with dull blades. Blades that are bent should
be replaced. The cutting blades are sharp and can cause
severe injury. Wrap the cutting surface of the blade with
a rag to avoid injury.
Sharpening the Blades
1. Set the parking brake.
c
are
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 4-26
Figure 4-27
WARNING
2. Clean any debris from the blades. Keep
blades sharp and free of build up at all
times.
3. To properly sharpen the cutting blades,
remove equal amounts of metal from
both ends of the blades along the
cutting edges, parallel to the trailing
edge, at a 25°-30° angle. Always grind
each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See
Figure 4-28.
Figure 4-28
WARNING
If a blade is bent or otherwise damaged, replace the blade
with a new one. Use only original equipment blades.
WARNING
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration,
may damage the machine and/or result in personal injury.
6. Test the blade's balance using a blade
balancer. Grind metal from the heavy
side until it balances evenly.
Note: When replacing the blade, be sure
to install the blade with the side of the
blade marked ''Bottom'' or "Grass Side"
(or with a part number stamped in it)
facing the ground when the mower is in
the operating position.
WARNING
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex
flange nut to between 100 lbs-ft and 130 lbs-ft.
Changing the Spindle Assembly
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the
Deck Removal section on page 24.
2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck
about one foot and block it in that
position.
3. Remove the deck cover.
4. Remove the drive belts. See Replacing
the Deck belt on page 24.
5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the
Blades on page 25.