Cub Cadet 1212 - Manual (Page 23)

23
TIRES
The recommended operating tire pressure is
approximately 10 psi for the rear tires and 10 psi for
the front tires. Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire
manufacturer’s recommended psi. Do not
overinflate. Uneven tire pressure could cause the
cutting deck to mow unevenly.
CUTTING BLADES
WARNING: Cutting blades are sharp.
Always protect your hands by wearing
heavy leather work gloves to grasp blades.
The blades may be removed for sharpening or
replacement as follows.
• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor,
(refer to DECK REMOVAL earlier in this
section for detailed instructions) then gently
flip the deck over to expose its underside.
• Place a block of wood between the center
deck housing baffle and the cutting blade to
act as a stabilizer. See Figure 22.
Figure 22
• Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange
nut that secures the blade to the spindle
assembly. See Figure 22.
NOTE: The hex flange nut has a right-handed
(normal) thread pattern. Do NOT attempt to force the
nut in the incorrect direction. Doing so may damage
the nut and create a safety hazard.
To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove
equal amounts of metal from both ends of the blades
along the cutting edges. See Figure 23.
Sharpen the cutting edge straight across, parallel to
the trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure
23.
IMPORTANT: If the cutting edge of the blade has
already been sharpened to within 5/8" of the wind
wing radius, or if any metal separation is present,
replace the worn blades with new ones. See Figure
23.
Figure 23
It is extremely important that each cutting blade
edge be ground equally to maintain proper blade
balance. An unbalanced blade will cause excessive
vibration when rotating at high speeds, may cause
damage to the tractor and result in personal injury.
The blade can be tested by balancing it on a round
shaft screwdriver. Grind metal from the heavy side
until it balances evenly.
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.
IMPORTANT: Use a torque wrench to tighten the
blade spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-
pounds and 90 foot-pounds.
Cutting Blade
Block of Wood
Spindle
Assembly
Hex Flange Nut
5/8"
minimum
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen Edge Evenly