Cub Cadet RZT-S Series - Manual (Page 111)

Decks and Lift Shaft
105
Blades
The condition of the blades will greatly effect the quality of the cut. The blades should be sharpened and bal-
anced after every five acres, depending on local conditions. A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it. Torn
grass blades leaves a rough look and makes the grass vulnerable to diseases.
Blades need to be examined for damage before sharpening. Blades must be balanced after sharpening to mini-
mize vibrations. Bent blades are a sign of a blade impact. If a bent blade is found, the blades must be replaced and
the spindles inspected for bent shafts and cracked housings.
Blades come in a variety of styles; side discharge, mulching, bagging, combination, there are even de-thatching
blades on the market. The RZT S comes with what Cub Cadet calls a 3 in 1 blade. This means it can side discharge,
bag and mulch.
The cutting deck on the RZT S mower is mounted with a slight rake, meaning that the front of the deck is a 1/4”
lower than the rear of the deck. This is very important to get the proper air flow in the deck so that the blades can
make the grass blades stand up to get cut.
The air flow in the cutting deck is generated by the spinning blades. If the blades are mounted upside down, the
air flow will be reversed pushing the grass down instead of standing up.
NOTE: Blades that are mounted upside down increase the risk of impacting an object.
To remove the blades:
1. Remove the deck as described in the previous sec-
tion of this chapter or lift the mower and safely sup-
port.
2. Block the blade with a piece of wood to prevent it
from spinning.
NOTE: MTD blade holding tool 490-850-0005 can be used
to hold the blade while removing the blade nut.
See Figure 7.4.
3. Remove the blade nuts using a 15/16” socket.
See Figure 7.5.
Figure 7.4
490-850-0005
Figure 7.5
Blade nut
! CAUTION ! CAUTION
Use care around the blade while
removing or tightening the nut. The
blade can spin and cause an injury
to the technician.