Cub Cadet CLT-538 - Manuel (Page 22)

22
Figure 18
It is important that each cutting blade edge be ground
equally to maintain proper blade balance.
A poorly balanced blade will cause excessive vibration
and 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’’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.
Changing the Transmission Drive Belts
NOTE: Several components must be removed and
special tools (i.e. air/impact wrench) in order to change
the tractor’s drive belts. See an authorized Service
Dealer to have your drive belts replaced or phone
Customer Support as instructed on page 2 for
information on ordering a Service Manual.
Changing the Deck Belt
WARNING: Be sure to shut the engine off,
remove ignition key, disconnect the spark
plug wire(s) and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting before removing
the belt(s).
WARNING: Avoid the possibility of a
pinching injury. Do not place your fingers on
the idler spring or between the belt and a
pulley while removing the belt.
All belts on your tractor are subject to wear and should
be replaced if any signs of wear are present.
IMPORTANT: The V-belts found on your tractor are
specially designed to engage and disengage safely. A
substitute (non-OEM) V-belt can be dangerous by not
disengaging completely. For a proper working machine,
use factory approved belts.
To change or replace the deck belt on your tractor,
proceed as follows:
• Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the
bottom notch on the right fender.
• Remove the belt guards by removing the self-
tapping screws that fasten them to the deck.
• Remove the belt keeper rod from around the
engine pulley.
• Insert a 3/8”-drive ratchet wrench (set to loosen)
into the square hole found in the idler bracket on
the left side of the deck’s surface. See Figure 19.
• Grasp the ratchet’s handle and pivot it toward the
front of the tractor to relieve tension on the belt.
• With belt tension relieved, carefully remove the
belt from around the left-hand spindle pulley.
Figure 19
IMPORTANT: Carefully allow the ratchet to pivot
rearward before removing it from the square hole.
• Remove the deck belt from around all pulleys,
including the deck idler pulley.
• Route the new belts (deck belt first).
• Remount the belt guards removed earlier.
Blade Separation
Worn Blade Edge
Wind Wing
Sharpen Edge Evenly
5/8"
minimum
3/8” Square Hole
Idler Bracket
Belt Guard