Service Mower - 42C, 48C, 54C
Removing Mower
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
John Deere Mower Deck compatability chart? - posted in John Deere Tractor Forum: Is there a mower deck compatibility chart for John Deere mower decks? I am looking for a 48 or 54 deck for my GT245. I see a lot of decks for sale that appear to have similar mounts, but dont know for sure which decks will fit my machine? I believe that my machine will interchange with the LX255 lx266 lx277 lx279. 44-inch Piranha Mulching Mower deck parts for John Deere 345. Click here for 44-inch Piranha Mulching Mower deck parts for 345. Products 24 Sort by: Quick View. John Deere 1/4-inch Drive-in Grease Zerk - JD7849 (2) $0.56. Usually available. John Deere F510 and F525 Residential Front Mowers Repair Manual.pdf John Deere K Series Air-Cooled Engines Workshop Manual.pdf John Deere 4420 Service Manual.pdf.
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Put lift lever in the transport position.
3. Turn mower height control knob to '0' position.
MX8331
4. 54C Mower Only - Rotate all mower wheels to allow mower deck to be rolled outward away from machine:
a. Pull out on pin (A).
b. Rotate mower wheel (B) 90° and align hole in wheel shaft with pin.
c. Release pin to lock mower wheel in rotated position.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift lever is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement. Lock the lift lever in forward position before removing or installing the mower. |
5. Lock the lift lever in forward position.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Belt tension rod is spring-assisted and under tension. Keep a secure grasp on rod at all times while releasing or applying drive belt tension. |
MX0068
6. Remove drive belt tension:
a. Grasp and hold tension rod (C) securely.
b. Disengage rod from retaining bracket (D).
c. Move rod as far as possible toward rear wheel to remove all belt tension.
7. Hold tension rod in the released position. Remove mower drive belt (E) from engine drive sheave.
8. Move tension rod to the latched position.
M95976
9. Pull out and push down on lever (F) to release front lift rod assembly.
10. Remove front lift rod assembly (G) from machine and mower deck.
NOTE: It may be necessary to manually lift up on rear of mower deck to pull out J-pins.
MX0069
11. Pull outward on J-pins (H) at both sides of mower to disconnect draft arms.
12. Put lift lever in the transport position.
13. Slide mower deck out from under machine. Remove 54C mower from right side only.
Installing Mower
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If equipped, remove tire chains before installing mower to machine to prevent mower damage. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Put lift lever in the transport position.
3. Turn mower height control knob to '0' position.
4. Slide mower under machine.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift lever is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement. Lock the lift lever in forward position before removing or installing the mower. |
5. Lock the lift lever in forward position.
MX0069
6. Place lift arms (A) between mower lift brackets (B).
7. Release J-pin (C) to connect mower deck to lift arms. Repeat at other side.
MX0068
8. Hook front lift rod assembly (D) into mower bracket.
M95976
9. Place front lift rod (E) into frame hooks so lever (F) is at left side of machine. Make sure rod is seated in frame hooks.
10. Push up lever (F) until tab (G) locks into hole in frame.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Drive belt tension rod is spring-assisted and under tension. Keep a secure grasp on rod at all times while releasing or applying drive belt tension. |
MX0068
11. Remove drive belt tension rod (H) from bracket (I) and pivot rod as far as possible toward rear wheel to remove all belt tension.
12. Hold tension rod in the released position. Install mower drive belt (J) onto engine drive sheave.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Drive belt tension rod is spring-assisted and under tension. Keep a secure grasp on rod at all times while releasing or applying drive belt tension. |
13. Pivot the drive belt tension rod toward front of machine to tighten drive belt. Hook tension rod into bracket on mower.
14. 54C Mower Only - Rotate mower wheels to operating position.
15. Adjust the lift assist spring if necessary.
16. Adjust mower level front-to-rear and side-to-side.
17. Adjust mower wheels for desired cutting height.
Adjusting Lift Assist Spring
NOTE: The weight of the mower affects ease of lifting. Adjust the lift assist spring for your particular mower deck model.
MX8396
1. Make sure yellow indicator (A) is aligned with the proper mark for the mower deck model installed. If not, adjust the lift assist spring so the indicator is aligned with the correct mower deck mark.
2. Turn adjusting bolt (B) at front of machine frame to adjust lift assist spring:
· Clockwise - Increases spring tension and moves indicator toward front of machine for heavier mowers.
· Counterclockwise - Decreases spring tension and moves indicator toward rear of machine for lighter mowers.
Replacing Mower Drive (Primary) Belt
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section).
2. Lock mower deck in the forward position.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Belt tension rod is spring-assisted and under tension. Keep a secure grasp on rod at all times while releasing or applying drive belt tension. |
MX0068
3. Remove drive belt tension:
a. Grasp and hold tension rod (A) securely.
b. Disengage rod from retaining bracket (B).
c. Move rod as far as possible toward rear wheel to remove all belt tension.
4. Hold tension rod in the released position.
5. Remove mower drive belt (C) from engine drive sheave and mower drive sheave.
6. Clean belt with a clean cloth.
7. Inspect belt for wear or damage. Replace as necessary.
8. Install belt on mower sheave and engine sheave.
9. Pivot the drive belt tension rod toward front of machine to tighten drive belt. Hook tension rod into bracket on mower.
Replacing Mower Deck (Secondary) Belt
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section).
2. Remove mower deck.
M97146 MX8378
Picture Note: 42C shown upper, 48C and 54C shown lower.
3. Remove belt shields (A).
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Springs are installed under tension. Use caution when attaching or disconnecting springs. Wear eye protection. |
4. Disconnect idler spring (B).
5. Remove mower belt (C).
6. Clean upper mower deck and sheaves.
7. Inspect belt for wear and damage. Replace if necessary.
8. Install belt on mower.
M97149
9. Connect idler spring (B). Make sure open end (D) of the spring hook faces outward on the idler arm.
10. Install belt shields.
11. Install mower to machine.
Checking for Bent Mower Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Service mower blades safely: · Disconnect spark plug wires or negative (-) battery cable to prevent accidental startup. · Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section).
2. Lock lift lever in forward position.
MX4897
3. Measure distance (A) between blade tip and flat ground surface.
4. Rotate blade 180° and measure other blade tip.
5. Install new blade if the difference between the two blade tip measurements is more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
6. Repeat for all blades.
Servicing Mower Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Service mower blades safely: · Disconnect spark plug wires or negative (-) battery cable to prevent accidental startup. · Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
Removing Mower Blades
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Raise or remove mower deck.
3. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent it from spinning.
MX7589A
4. Loosen and remove bolt (A), washer (B), and blade (C).
5. Inspect blade condition. Sharpen, balance, or replace blades as necessary.
Installing Mower Blades
1. Make sure deflector cup (D) is seated properly between mower spindle and blade.
2. Position mower blade (C) with cutting edge towards the ground onto the mower spindle.
3. Install blade washer (B) with cup side toward the blade.
4. Install and tighten bolt (A) by hand until mower blade is in full contact (fully seated) with spindle.
5. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent spinning.
6. Tighten blade bolt:
· 42C Mower - 75 N·m (55 lb-ft).
· 48C and 54C Mowers - 68 N·m (50 lb-ft).
7. Repeat for all blades.
Sharpening Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are dangerous: · Always wear gloves while working on blades. · Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. |
· Sharpen blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener.
MX8333
· Keep original bevel (A) when grinding.
· Blade should have 0.40 mm (1/64 in.) cutting edge (B) or less.
· Balance blades before installing.
Balancing Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are dangerous: · Always wear gloves while working on blades. · Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. |
1. Clean blade.
M61524
2. Put blade on nail in a vise. Turn blade to horizontal position.
3. Check balance. If blade is not balanced, heavy end of blade will drop.
4. Grind bevel of heavy end. Do not change blade bevel.
Service Mower
Removing Mower
1. Park vehicle safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety Section.) Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
2. Adjust mower cutting height to 25 mm (1 in).
3. Put wood blocks under each side of mower.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift lever is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement. Put the lift lever in the mowing position before removing or installing the mower. |
4. Put lift lever in mowing position, bringing deck down onto blocks.
M88488
Picture Note: 38-Inch mower deck is used for photo purposes throughout this procedure.
5. Remove belt from engine drive sheave and belt guides (A).
MIF
6. Remove spring locking pin and washer (B) to remove adjustment link and engagement rod (C) from arm.
MX5364
7. Remove spring locking pin (H) and long drilled pin (G) from front of mower.
8. Remove front draft rod (E) from tractor bracket hole (D) first, then front mower bracket (F).
MX5363
9. Remove spring locking pin and drilled pin (I) from both rear draft arms (J) and mounting brackets.
10. Move lift lever to the transport position to raise rear draft arms.
11. Remove wood blocks from both sides and slide mower out from under the tractor.
Installing Mower
1. Park vehicle safely. (See Parking Safely in Safety Section.) Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Check that mower cutting height knob is set at 25 mm (1 in).
3. Put lift lever in transport position.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower: · Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidently. · Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
4. Slide mower under the tractor.
5. Put wood blocks under each side of mower deck.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift lever is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement. Put the lift lever in the mowing position before removing or installing the mower. |
MX5363
6. Move lift lever to the mowing position to lower mower rear draft arms (A).
7. Fasten rear draft arms to mower mounting brackets with drilled pins and spring locking pins (B), on both sides of mower. Push spring locking pin all the way through as shown.
MX5364
8. Install front draft rod (E) into front mower bracket (F) first, then tractor bracket top hole (C). Make sure rounded bushing (D) is on front side of tractor bracket.
9. Install long drilled pin (G) and fasten with spring locking pin (H).
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The belt will be damaged if installed wrong. Route the belt properly through belt guides. |
M88482
10. Put mower drive belt on engine drive sheave (J). Make sure belt is routed through both belt guide loops (I).
MX5363
11. Check to make sure belt (K) is on all sheaves and idlers and is inside all belt guides (L).
12. Remove wood blocks from both sides of mower.
13. Move lift lever to mowing position and make sure mower engagement lever is pulled back into stop position.
14. Make sure mower is at lowest possible cutting height and that gauge wheels are not touching the ground.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If the mower engagement rod is not adjusted properly, the mower belt may slip or drag on blade sheave resulting in belt damage. |
MIF M88502
15. Check to see if adjustment pin (P) lines up with mower engagement arm hole (O).
· If pin does not line up, loosen lock nut (Q) and turn pin until pin slips freely into hole. Tighten lock nut.
16. Fasten adjustment pin (P) to mower arm with washer and spring locking pin (M).
17. Level mower.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (38-Inch Mower)
NOTE: In this procedure the mower deck is removed for easier access. However, it is NOT necessary to remove deck when replacing belt.
1. Park tractor safely. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Remove mower if desired.
M88485
3. Remove three cap screws (A) and belt shield.
MIF
4. Loosen rear idler (B) and tensioning sheave (C).
5. Remove mower belt.
6. Clean top of mower.
7. Install new belt on mower as shown above.
8. Tighten rear idler and tensioning sheave.
9. Install belt shield and fasten with three cap screws.
10. Install mower deck and adjust mower engagement rod, if necessary.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (Freedom 42)
1. Park machine safely. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Remove mower.
MX5359
3. Remove self-tapping cap screws (C).
4. Move brake assembly (B) away from sheave (A) and drive belt.
5. Loosen idler (D) and tensioning idler (E) just enough to slip belt past the guides.
6. Remove drive belt and clean top of mower.
7. Install new belt on mower deck as shown.
8. Tighten idler (D) and tensioning idler (E).
9. Align brake assembly (B) with right spindle sheave (A) and fasten with self-tapping cap screws (C). Brake pad must seat against top of sheave.
10. Install mower and adjust mower engagement rod, if necessary.
Adjusting Mower Timing Belt Tension (Freedom42)
1. Park machine safely.
2. Move lift lever to mowing position and move to left side of mower.
NOTE: Mower timing belt cover can be unfastened and flipped open on the left side, exposing the tension adjustment mechanism, without having to remove the mower or the timing belt cover.
MX5360
Picture Note: Mower removed for photo clarity.
3. Remove flange lock nut (A) to flip open left spindle cover.
MX5361
4. Check timing belt for damage. If the belt is damaged, replace the timing belt.
5. Remove top washer first, then loosen idler assembly center nut (B) ONE FULL TURN ONLY.
MX0238
6. Check that blades are timed properly (90° from each other). If blades are out of time, set blades to proper timing.
MX5361
7. Turn left spindle sprocket (C) to be sure belt is seated properly in the sprockets and idlers.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Incorrect belt tensioning can cause belt damage. Do not over tighten belt tensioning spring assembly. |
8. Loosen jam nut (D) and adjusting nut (E) so that there is a small air gap between washer (F) and mating surface of spring bushing (G).
9. Rotate adjusting nut (E) clockwise until washer (F) makes solid contact with the mating surface of spring bushing (G).
10. Tighten idler assembly center nut (B) to 87 N·m (64 lb-ft.).
11. Tighten jam nut (D) against adjusting nut (E) to 27 N·m (20 lb-ft.).
12. Turn left spindle sprocket (C) to be sure belt is seated properly in the sprockets and idlers.
NOTE: The position of the drain holes in the spindle sheave (A) and the indentations in the timing sprocket (M) are in alignment with the mower blades (K) and (L).
MX0236
13. Check that blades are timed properly (90° from each other). If blades are out of time, set blades to proper timing.
14. Install top washer on top of center nut (B) and close left spindle cover.
15. Fasten cover with flange lock nut and tighten to 14 N·m (10 lb-ft.).
Replacing Mower Timing Belt And Adjusting Blade Timing (Freedom42)
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Damage may occur to the belt or blades after a major blade impact: · Check blades for damage and timing. · Check the timing belt for damage and proper tensioning. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section.) Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Remove mower.
3. Remove mower drive belt.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
4. Check blade bolt torque anytime mower is removed. Carefully hold blade with glove, use a hand torque wrench, and tighten bolt to 57 N·m 42 lb-ft.).
MX5358
5. Move spindle brake assembly (C) and mower engagement rod assembly (D) back to clear timing belt cover.
6. Remove five flange lock nuts (A) and cover (B).
MX0234
7. Turn jam nut (E) and adjusting nut (F) counterclockwise to end of threaded rod, and remove tensioning spring assembly.
MX3866
8. Remove center nut and washer (G) and move fixed idler assembly (H) close to the spindle sprocket. DO NOT loosen other idler assembly hardware.
9. Raise idler assembly upward as you carefully remove timing belt from the left spindle sprocket.
MX3863
10. Remove spacer (I) located between fixed idler assembly plates and carefully pull belt from assembly.
MX3866
11. Loosen two belt guides (J) and rotate away from left sprocket.
12. Remove timing belt, replace if necessary.
NOTE: The position of the drain holes in the spindle sheave (A) and the indentations in the timing sprocket (M) are in alignment with the mower blades (K) and (L).
MX0236
13. Position mower blades (K) and (L) 90° from each other.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Handle timing belts with care. · DO NOT crimp. · DO NOT fold. · DO NOT twist. |
M92926a M92927a
MX3866
14. Install new mower deck timing belt:
a. Route belt around right spindle sprocket (N) located under the mower drive belt sheave.
MX3863
b. Route belt around outside of idlers and then in between the fixed idlers (O), pulling a belt loop through the idler assembly.
c. Insert spacer (I) between fixed idler plates and idlers.
d. Install the fixed idler assembly on the stud of the left support plate as you wrap belt loop around left spindle sprocket (P).
MX3866
15. Install washer and center nut (G) on fixed idler assembly. Leave nut loose at this time.
MX0236
16. Check that blades (K) and (L) are 90° from each other.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Incorrect belt tensioning can cause belt damage. DO NOT over tighten belt tensioning spring assembly. |
MX0234
17. Install tensioning spring assembly and adjust timing belt tension:
a. Align notch (Q) in idler assembly with tab on spring bushing (S).
b. Rotate adjusting nut (F) clockwise until the washer (R) makes solid contact with the surface of the spring bushing (S).
c. Turn adjusting nut an additional 1/2 turn to allow for new belt stretch. DO NOT over tighten.
d. Rotate right spindle sheave clockwise and observe that belt is riding properly in sprockets and idlers.
e. Tighten jam nut (E) against adjusting nut.
MX3867
18. Tighten center nut (G) to 73 N·m (54 lb-ft.).
19. Install top washer on top of center nut.
MX0235
20. Adjust belt guides:
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Check belt guide-to-sprocket rim clearance. Measuring clearance incorrectly can cause belt or blade damage. |
a. Hold a 1 mm (0.039 in.) shim/gage between belt guides and sprocket rim, location (T), and rotate belt guides (J) clockwise against gage.
b. Tighten belt guide nuts to 24 N·m (18 lb-ft.).
MX3861
Picture Note: Right spindle sheave removed for photo clarity.
c. Remove gage. Clearance (T), one on each side, should be 1contact belt guide.
MX5358
21. Install timing belt cover (B) and fasten with five nuts (A). Tighten nuts to 14 N·m (10 lb-ft.).
22. Install mower drive belt.
23. Install mower and adjust mower engagement rod, if necessary.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (48C Deck)
1. Park tractor safely. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Remove mower deck.
AMA10306_1
3. Remove six cap screws (A) and left and right belt shields.
AMA10306_2
4. Loosen sheaves (B) and (C).
5. Remove mower belt.
6. Clean top of mower deck and sheaves.
7. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
8. Install belt on mower deck as shown.
9. Tighten sheaves.
10. Install belt shields and fasten with six cap screws.
11. Install mower deck and adjust mower engagement rod, if necessary.
12. Move lift lever to transport position.
Adjusting Spindle Brakes
NOTE: This procedure applies only to the 38-Inch and 48C mowers.
The Freedom42 mower has a self-adjusting spindle brake assembly - no adjustment is necessary.
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Mower blades must stop within 5 seconds after mower is turned off. Check spindle brake measurement every 25 hours or once a year (whichever comes first). |
1. Park tractor safely.
2. Adjust mower cutting height to 25 mm (1 in.).
3. Put lift lever in the mowing position.
4. Push mower engagement lever forward.
5. Remove belt shields.
BRAKEADJ
Picture Note: 38-Inch deck used for illustration.
6. Measure distance between brake pad surface (A) and pulley braking surface (B). Brake to pulley distance should be:
MIF
AMA10306_2
7. Turn adjusting nuts (E) on end of brake rods in correct direction to set brakes at proper distance from pulleys.
8. Install belt shields.
Checking for Bent Mower Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety Section).
M32847
2. Put lift lever in mowing position.
3. Measure distance between blade tip and flat ground surface.
4. Turn blade. Measure distance between other blade tip and flat ground surface.
5. Install new blade, if the difference between the two measurements is more than 3 mm (1/8 in).
Servicing Mower Blades (38-Inch Deck)
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
Removing Mower Blades
1. Raise mower deck to gain access to mower blades. If necessary, remove mower deck after allowing engine and muffler to cool completely.
2. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent it from spinning.
M88119a
3. Loosen and remove cap screw (A), hardened washer (B), blade washer (C) and blade (D).
4. Inspect blades; sharpen, balance or replace blades as necessary.
Installing Mower Blades
1. Lubricate cap screw threads lightly with a general purpose grease or oil. This lubrication is to prevent rusting and seizing.
MIF
2. Position mower blade (D) with the cutting edge towards the ground onto the mower spindle.
3. Install blade washer (C) with cup side toward the blade.
4. Install hardened washer (B).
5. Install and hand tighten cap screw (A) until mower blade is in full contact (fully seated) with spindle.
6. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent spinning and tighten cap screws to 53 N·m (39 lb-ft.).
Servicing Mower Blades (Freedom42)
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
Removing Mower Blades
1. Hold mower blade with glove to prevent mower blades from spinning.
2. Raise mower deck to gain access to mower blades. If necessary, remove mower deck.
MIF
3. Loosen and remove bolt with washer (A), and blade (B).
4. Inspect blades; sharpen, balance or replace blades as necessary.
Installing Mower Blades
1. Check mower to be sure you are installing the blades on the correct side:
P000151
· The RIGHT and LEFT sides are marked on the rear draft brackets (C).
MX0238
· There are direction arrows located on each outside edge of the mower. There is a RIGHT and a LEFT side blade. The blades are marked for identification.
MIF
2. Position mower blades (B) with the cutting edge towards the ground onto the mower spindle and align key on bottom of spindle with slot in blade.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Improperly installed blades can loosen during operation. Do not lubricate or use power tools when installing the blade bolt or the bolt will be ineffective. Use a hand torque wrench and tighten bolts to blade bolt torque of: 57 N·m (42 lb-ft.) |
3. Install and hand tighten bolt with washer (A) until mower blade is in full contact (fully seated) with spindle.
4. Hold mower blade with glove to prevent spinning, tighten bolts to 57 N·m (42 lb-ft.).
5. Check mower deck timing and adjust if necessary.
Servicing Mower Blades (48C Deck)
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
Removing Mower Blades
1. Raise mower deck to gain access to mower blades. If necessary, remove mower deck.
2. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent it from spinning.
M74256a
3. Loosen and remove bolt (A), washer (B) and blade (C).
John Deere Edge Mower Decks
4. Inspect blades; sharpen, balance or replace blades as necessary.
Installing Mower Blades
M74256a
1. Check that deflector cup (D) is in place between spindle and blade.
2. Position mower blade (C) with the cutting edge towards the ground onto the mower spindle.
3. Install blade washer (B) with cup side toward the blade.
4. Install and hand tighten bolt (A) until mower blade is in full contact (fully seated) with spindle.
5. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent spinning and tighten cap screw to 68 N·m (50 lb-ft.).
Sharpening Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are dangerous! · Always wear gloves while working on blades. · Always wear safety eye protection when grinding. |
Sharpen blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener.
MIF
Keep original bevel (A) when grinding.
Blade should have 0.40 mm (1/64 in.) cutting edge (B) or less.
Balance blades before installing.
Balancing Blades
| c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Mower blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades. |
1. Clean blade.
John Deere 42 Mower Deck
M61524
John Deere Piranha 44 Mulching Deck
2. Put blade on nail in a vise. Turn blade to horizontal position.
3. Check balance. If blade is not balanced, heavy end of blade will drop.
4. Grind bevel of heavy end. Do not change blade bevel.