Clean Deck & Check/Replace Mower Blades - Craftsman ZTS 7500 Operator's Manual

CLEAN DECK &
CHECK / REPLACE MOWER BLADES
Service Intervah 25 hours or as required.
WARNING
For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp
mower blades with bare hands. Careless or
improper handling of blades may result in serious
injury.
WARNING
For your personal safety, blade mounting
capscrews must each be installed with two spring
washers or a hex washer and spring washer, then
securely tightened. Torque blade mounting nut to
80 - 90 ft. Ibs. (108 - 122 Nm).
1. Remove mower deck (see "Mower Deck Removal" in
the OPERATION section).
2. See Figure 20. Remove blade to inspect it or to
safely access the underside of the mower deck. Use
a block of wood to prevent blade rotation while
loosening the capscrew by turning it
counterclockwise.
3. Remove the capscrew (D, Figure 22), spring washer
(C), hex washer (B), and blade.
4. Clean the underside of the mower deck.
5. Inspect the blades for nicks or dull edges. Use a file
to sharpen blade to a fine edge. If the blade is
damaged, it must be replaced.
6. Balance the blade as shown in Figure 21. Center the
blade's hole on a nail lubricated with a drop of oil. A
balanced blade will remain level. If the blade is not
balanced, continue to sharpen the heavy side until it
balances.
7. Reinstall the blade with the lift wings (D, Figure 22)
pointing up toward the mower deck as shown.
8. Reinstall the spring washers (B, Figure 22) and nut
(C). Use a wooden block (A) to prevent blade rotation
while tightening the nut (C) to 80-90 ft. Ibs. (108-122
Nm).
Figure 20. Blade Removal
Workbench
C
Figure 21. Balancing The Blade
Nail
Figure 22. Blade installation
A. 4x4 Wood Block C. Blade Nut
B. Spring Washers D. LiftWings
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