Cutting Blades - MTD Series 760 Operator's Manual

Cutting Blades

WARNING!
ignition key before removing the cutting blade(s) for
sharpening or replacement. Protect your hands by
using heavy gloves when grasping the blade.
WARNING!
spindle for cracks or damage, especially after you've
struck a foreign object. Do not operate the machine
until damaged components are replaced.
To remove the blades, proceed as follows.
1. Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to
Cutting Deck Removal earlier in this section) then gently
flip the deck over to expose its underside.
2. Place a block of wood between the center deck housing
baffle and the cutting blade to act as a stabilizer.
See Fig. 7-5.
3. Remove the hex flange nut that secures the blade to the
spindle assembly. See Fig. 7-5.
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 Fig. 7-6.
CAUTION:
previously been sharpened, or if any metal
separation is present, replace the blades with new
ones.
WARNING!
excessive vibration, may cause 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.
24 24 s s 7— s 7— s
ectiOn ectiOn ervice ervice
Shut the engine off and remove
Periodically inspect the blade and/or
Figure 7-5
If the cutting edge of the blade has
A poorly balanced blade will cause
Figure 7-6
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:
Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 lbs-ft
and 90 lbs-ft.