Cub Cadet RZT 54 - Manual (Page 30)

30
DECK MAINTENANCE
Using the Deck Wash System
WARNING: When using the deck wash
system, never engage the deck from any
position other than the operator’s seat of
the tractor. Do not use an assistant or
engage deck in the presence of any
bystanders.
• Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden
hose connected to a water supply.
• Move the tractor to an area within reach of the
hose where the dispersal of wet grass clippings is
not objectionable to you. Disengage the PTO,
engage the parking brake, and stop the engine.
• Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and
push the adapter onto one of the deck wash
nozzles at either end of the mower deck. Release
the lock collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle.
See Figure 37.
Figure 37
• Turn on the water supply.
• From the tractor operator’s seat, start the engine
and engage the PTO. Allow to run as needed.
Disengage the PTO and stop the engine.
• Turn off the water supply.
• Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to
disconnect the adapter from the nozzle.
• Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck
using the nozzle at the other end of the deck.
Cleaning the Spindle Pulleys
Once a month remove the belt covers to remove any
accumulation of grass clippings from around the
spindle pulleys and V-belt. Clean more often when
mowing tall, dry grass.
Mower Blade Care
WARNING: Before performing any main-
tenance, place the PTO switch in the
“OFF” position, engage the parking
brake lever, turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position and remove the key from
the switch.
WARNING: When servicing the mower
deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the
sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
Sharpen the cutting edges of the blades evenly so
that the blades remain balanced and the same angle
of sharpness is maintained.
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharp-
ened many times, or if any metal separation is present,
it is recommended that new blades be installed. New
blades are available at your authorized dealer.
The blades may be removed as follows.
• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer
to Deck Removal on page 26) then gently flip the
deck over to expose its underside.
• Use a 15/16 inch wrench to hold the hex nut on
top of the spindle assembly when loosening the
hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may
be placed between the deck housing and the
cutting edge of the blade to help in breaking loose
the hex nut securing the blade. Refer to Figure 38.
• When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are
installed so that the wind wings are pointing
upward toward the top of the deck.
• Tighten the blade nuts to 70-90 ft. lbs.
• Reinstall the deck (refer to Deck Installation on
page 27).
Figure 38
DECK LUBRICATION
• After every 10 hours of operation and before
putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate
the spindle assemblies with 251H EP grease or
an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease. The lube fittings are located in the
spindle housing and can be accessed from
underneath the deck.
Deck Wash
Nozzle
Nozzle
Adapter
Adapter
Lock Collar
Pull Lock
Collar Back
RZT50 Shown
Hex Nut
Use 15/16"
Wood Block
In Position
Wrench to
Remove Nut
RZT50 Shown