Troy-Bilt RZT 50 - Manual (Page 32)

32
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. 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 28) 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 36.
• 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 29).
Figure 36
DECK LUBRICATION
• After every 10 hours of operation and before
putting the deck into winter storage, lubricate
the spindle assemblies with a No. 2 multipur-
pose lithium grease. The lube fittings are
located in the spindle housing and can be
accessed from underneath the deck.
REPLACING THE DECK DRIVE BELT
• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer
to Deck Removal on page 28).
• Remove the hex tapping screws securing the belt
covers to the deck and remove the belt from the
spindle pulleys. Refer to Figure 37.
• Install the new belt around the spindle pulleys as
shown in Figure 37 and reinstall the belt covers.
• Route the belt rearward between the two idler
pulleys and reinstall the deck following the
instructions in Deck Installation on page 29.
Figure 37
Hex Nut
Use 15/16"
Wood Block
In Position
Wrench to
Remove Nut
‘V’ Belt
Belt Cover
Idler Pulley
Belt Cover
Idler Pulley