Hustler Turf Diesel Z - Manual (Page 143)

10-29 109706 10/08
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. 48). 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. 49 and FIG. 50). Replace any distorted blade.
Do not re-use spindle bolts which have stripped, worn or undercut threads. Torque bolts on spindles to 118 foot-
pounds when reinstalling blades.
WARNING: When mounting blades, rotate them after installation to ensure blade tips do not touch
each other or sides of the mower.
WARNING: Failure to correctly torque the bolt may result in the loss of the blade which can cause
serious injury.
WARNING: Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the blade(s) or wear gloves and use extra
caution when servicing them.
FIG. 49
FIG. 48 FIG. 50
Re sharpening
pattern
Do not sharpen to original pattern (below).
It is easier to get a straight cutting edge following
the re sharpening pattern shown above
Original edge
Cutting
plane
Warped Blade (Replace)
Straight Blade
Comparison of Warped and Straight Blades
Cutting edge
Twisted Blade Edge
(replace)
Cutting edge Cutting Plane
Straight Blade Edge
End view of blades, comparing
twisted and straightened blades