HUSTLER Z XR7 Parts Manual page 100

Mower blade maintenance
Check the mower blades daily, they are the key to power efficiency and well groomed turf. Keep them
sharp, a dull blade will tear rather than cut the grass, leaving a brown ragged top on the grass within a few
hours. A dull blade also requires more power from the engine.
Replace any blade which is bent, cracked or broken.
WARNING:
as the blade may break and cause serious injury.
DANGER:
INever work with blades while engine is running or deck clutch switch is engaged (on).
Always place deck clutch switch in the disengaged position, place control levers in the park brake posi-
tion and turn engine off and disconnect negative battery cable. Block up mower when you must work
under it. Wear gloves when handling blades. Always check for blade damage if mower strikes rock,
branch or other foreign object during mowing!
WARNING:
Mower blade removal
Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the 5/8" cap screw holding the blade to the spindle shaft from underneath.
Sharpen the blades on a grinder following pattern as shown FIG. 16. Touch-up sharpening can be done
with a file.
Check the blades for balance following grinding. A commercial balancing tool is available through most
hardware supply stores, or balancing can be done by placing the blade on an inverted line punch or 1/2"
bolt. Blade should not lean or tilt. Spin the blade slowly, blade should not wobble. If blade is out of
balance, true it up before reinstalling.
Lay the blade on a flat surface and check for distortion FIG. 17 and FIG. 18. Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or undercut threads. Torque bolts to 118 foot-
pounds when reinstalling blades.
WARNING:
each other or sides of the mower.
WARNING:
serious injury.
WARNING:
caution when servicing them.
INever attempt to straighten a bent blade by heating, or weld a cracked or broken blade
IAlways wear adequate eye protection when grinding mower blades.
When mounting blades, rotate them after installation to ensure blade tips do not touch
Failure to correctly torque the bolt may result in the loss of the blade which can cause
Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra
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