Cub Cadet Z-Force S 54 Operator's Manual page 27

The blades may be removed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to
expose its underside.
2. Use a 3⁄4" wrench to hold the hex nut on top of the spindle
assembly when loosening the hex nut securing the blade.
See Fig. 7-10.
Hex Washer
Screw
Spindle Assembly
Blade
Flange Lock Nut
Figure 7-10
3. 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. To reinstall the blades,
reverse the above process and tighten nut to 100-120 lb ft.
4. Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on page 25
NOTE: Add a small amount of multi-purpose grease to the
bolt threads to avoid corrosion and galvenic action.
WARNING!:
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. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 24) then gently flip the deck over to
expose its underside.
1. Clean any debris from the blades. Keep blades sharp and
free of build up at all times.
2. Sharpen blades evenly at the original 30° angle to maintain
balanced cutting blades. Do not sharpen the underside of
the blades. Use a electric blade sharpener, a conventional
electric grinder or a hand file to sharpen the blades.
3. Replace any blade with severe nicks or dents that cannot
be removed by filing.
4. Check the balance of the blade after sharpening by placing
it on a blade balancer. Do not use un-balanced blades.
5. If the blade dips on one end, file stock off of the cutting
surface on that end.
NOTE: Replace any blades that cannot be easily balanced.
Changing the Spindle Assembly
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to Deck
Removal on page 25).
2. Remove the hex washer screws securing the belt covers
to the deck and remove the belt from the spindle pulleys.
Refer to Fig. 7-9.
1. Remove the drive belts. (See Rplacing the Belt)
2. Remove the blade. (See Mower Blade Care).
3. Use a 3⁄4" 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 Fig. 7-10.
Hex
Washer
Screw
Spacer
Pulley
Blade
).
Flange Lock Nut
NOTE: Take note of the order that the parts composing the
assembly are placed.
4. Using a wrench or socket ratchet remove four hex washer
screws. Remove the spindle assembly. See Fig. 7-10.
5. Reverse the process to install the spindle assembly.
Changing the Transmission Drive Belt
Several components must be removed and special tools used in
order to change the tractor's transmission drive belt. See your
Cub Cadet dealer to have the transmission drive belt replaced.
Hex Screw
Spacer
Spindle Assembly
Spacer
Figure 7-10
s 7 — s
ectiOn ervice
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