Cub Cadet GT 2042 Garden Tractor Operator's Manual page 28

4. 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°- to 30°
angle. Always grind each cutting blade edge equally to
maintain proper blade balance. See Figure 7-7.
CAUTION:
previously been sharpened, or if any metal
separation is present, replace the blades with new
ones.
WARNING!
excessive vibration, may damage to the tractor and/
or result in personal injury.
5. 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 with
a part number stamped in it) facing the ground when the
mower is in the operating position.
CAUTION:
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 110 lbs-ft
and 130 lbs-ft.
28 S 7— S
ection ervice
Figure 7-7
If the cutting edge of the blade has
A poorly balanced blade will cause
Use a torque wrench to tighten the
Changing the Deck Belt
WARNING!
The V-belts found on your tractor are
specially designed to engage and disengage safely.
A substitute (non-OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by
not disengaging completely. For a proper working
machine, use factory approved belts.
All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should be
replaced if any signs of wear are present . To change or replace
the deck belt on your tractor, proceed as follows:
1. Remove the PTO belt as instructed earlier in this section
under Cutting Deck Removal.
2. Remove the belt covers by removing the self-tapping
screws that fasten them to the deck.
3. Working on the left side of the tractor, insert a ¹/2-inch drive
ratchet wrench, set to loosen, into square hole found on the
idler bracket.
4. Pivot the wrench rearward to move the deck drive pulley
forward and relieve tension on the deck belt.
Refer to Figure 7-4.
WARNING!
Avoid pinching injuries. Never place
your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt
and a pulley while removing the belt.
5. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the left-hand
spindle pulley before slowly allowing the wrench to pivot
forward.
6. Carefully remove the deck belt from around the right-hand
spindle pulley, center pulley on applicable models and
deck idler pulleys.
NOTE: The idler pulleys may have to be loosened, but not
removed, in order to remove the belt from around them.
7. Route the new belt as shown in the applicable figure on
the following pages.
NOTE: Use a ¹/2-inch drive ratchet wrench as instructed in
earlier steps when routing the new belt.
8. Retighten idler pulleys, if loosened earlier.
9. Remount the belt guards removed earlier.