Cub Cadet 18M Operator's Manual page 11

Blade Care
WARNING: When removing the cutting
blade for sharpening or replacement,
protect your hands with a pair of heavy
gloves or use a heavy rag to hold the blade.
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks,
especially if you strike a foreign object. Replace when
necessary. Follow the steps below for blade service.
1. Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug. Turn
mower on its side making sure that the air filter and
the carburetor are facing up.
2. Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which
hold the blade and the blade adapter to the engine
crankshaft. See Figure 5-3.
3. Remove blade and adapter from the crankshaft. See
Figure 5-3.
4. Remove blade from the adapter for testing balance.
Balance the blade on a round shaft screwdriver to
check. Remove metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle
of grind. Grind each cutting edge equally to keep the
blade balanced.
WARNING: An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration when rotating
at high speeds. It may cause damage to
mower and could break causing personal injury.
5. Lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner surface
of the blade adapter with light oil. Slide the blade
adapter onto the engine crankshaft. Place the blade
on the adapter such that the side of the blade marked
"Bottom" (or with part number) faces the ground when
the mower is in the operating position. Make sure that
the blade is aligned and seated on the blade adapter
flanges.
Blade Adapter
Blade Bell Support
Bolt
Figure 5-3: Remove the bolt and blade bell support to access
the blade.
6. Place blade bell support on the blade. Align notches
on the blade bell support with small holes in blade.
7. Replace hex bolt and tighten hex bolt to torque: 450
in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
To ensure safe operation of your mower, periodically
check the blade bolt for correct torque.
Belt Care
1. Disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it against
the engine.
2. Drain the fuel tank or place a piece of plastic
beneath the cap to prevent gasoline leakage.
3. Tip mower on its side (air cleaner side of engine up).
4. Remove blade, adapter, and related hardware as
instructed under "Blade Care" above. See Figure
5-3.
11
Maintaining
Your Lawn
Blade
WARNING
When removing
the cutting blade
for sharpening or
replacement, protect
your hands with a pair
of heavy gloves or use
a heavy rag to hold
An unbalanced blade
will cause excessive
vibration when rotat-
ing at high speeds. It
may cause damage
to mower and could
break causing per-
5
Mower
the blade.
sonal injury.