MTD Cub Cadet 950 Owner's Manual page 16

CUTTING BLADE REMOVAL, REPLACEMENT AND SHARPENING
• When removing the cutting blade for sharpening or replacement, protect your hands by using heavy gloves
or a rag to handle the blade.
• Remove the bolt and the blade bell support which hold the blade and the adapter to the engine crankshaft.
• Remove the blade and the adapter from the crankshaft.
Warning:
Periodically inspect the blade adapter for cracks, especially if you strike a foreign object.
Replace when necessary.
When sharpening the blade, follow the original angle of grind as a guide. It Is extremely important that each
cutting edge receives an equal amount of grinding to prevent an unbalanced blade. An unbalanced blade will
cause excessive vibration when rotating at high speeds. It may cause damage to the mower, and it could break
causing personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round shaft screwdriver. Remove metal from the heavy side until it
balances evenly. It is recommended that the blade be removed from the adapter when testing for balance.
Before reinstalling the blade and the blade adapter to the unit, lubricate the engine crankshaft and the inner
surface of the blade adapter with light oil.
• Be sure to install the blade with the side of the blade marked "Bottom" (or with part number) facing the
ground when the mower is in the operating position.
• Slide the blade adapter onto the engine crankshaft.
• Place the blade on the adapter. Be certain the blade is aligned with and seated onto the blade adapter
flanges.
• Place the blade bell support on the blade. Make sure the notches on the blade bell support are aligned
with the small holes in the blade.
• Replace hex bolt.
• Tighten hex bolt to torque: 450 in. lbs. min., 600 in. lbs. max.
NOTE:
To ensure safe operation of your unit, the blade bolt must be checked periodically for correct torque.
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