Sharpening The Blades - Cub Cadet Pro Z SurePath Auto Steer Series Operator's Manual

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 54, or wrap
a rag around one end of the blade and grasp the blade firmly.
2. Remove the flange lock nut (a) and flat washer (b) from the spindle shaft and
remove the blade (c). See Figure 55.
To replace or reinstall the blade:
1. 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 mower and in the
operating position.
2. 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 56.
3. Secure the blade from turning clockwise when reinstalling the flange lock nut
(the opposite direction of blade removal).
4. 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).
PRODUCT CARE
Figure 54
a
b
c
Figure 55
Figure 56
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 and wear heavy gloves to avoid injury.

Sharpening the Blades

1. Set the parking brake.
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 57.
If a blade is bent or otherwise damaged, replace the blade with a new one.
Use only original equipment blades.
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration, may damage the
machine, and/or result in personal injury.
4. 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.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade spindle hex flange nut to between
100 ft-lbs and 130 ft-lbs.
Changing the Spindle Assembly
1. Remove the deck as instructed in the Deck Removal section.
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 Drive Belt.
5. Remove the blade. See Replacing the Blades.
35
WARNING
Figure 57
WARNING
WARNING
WARNING