Cutting Blades - Cub Cadet 1222 Operator's Manual

• Pivot the double-idler bracket forward slightly
before removing the idler extension spring from the
stud and the double-idler bracket itself. Do not
discard the spring.
• Roll the drive belt out from around both the v-idler
pulley and the flat idler pulley found on the double-
idler bracket.
• Carefully unplug the tractor's wire harness from the
connector on the electric PTO clutch.
• Remove the hex bolt from the center of the electric
PTO clutch. Gently lower it off the engine
crankshaft, making sure not to lose any hardware.
See Figure 15.
• The engine pulley is located directly above the
electric PTO clutch. Lower the engine pulley far
enough to be able to remove the upper drive belt
from around it. Be careful not to lose the square key
which acts as a guide for the engine pulley on the
crankshaft.
When remounting the electric PTO clutch
IMPORTANT:
or the engine pulley, as equipped, torque the center hex
bolt to between 38 foot-pounds and 50 foot-pounds.
• Remove the drive belt by feeding it from front to
rear, toward the hydrostatic transmission. See
Figure 15.
• Continue removing the drive belt by gently lifting it
off the transmission pulley and over the cooling fan.
The fins on the cooling fan are only slightly
IMPORTANT:
flexible. Be careful not to damage the fan when
removing drive belt from around transmission pulley.
• Reroute the new belt around the pulleys and belt
keepers, if present, exactly as the old one was
routed. Refer to Figure 15.
Tires
WARNING:
Never exceed the maximum
inflation pressure shown on the tire sidewall.
Refer to the tire sidewall for exact tire manufacturer's
recommended or maximum psi. Do not overinflate.
Uneven tire pressure could cause the cutting deck to
mow unevenly.

Cutting Blades

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 cutting blade(s) for sharpening or
replacement. Protect your hands by using
heavy gloves or a rag to grasp the cutting
blade.
• Periodically inspect the blade adapter and/or
spindle for cracks or damage, especially if you
strike a foreign object. Replace immediately if
damaged
.
The blades may be removed as follows:
• Remove the deck from beneath the tractor, (refer to
Cutting Deck Removal on page 18) 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 16.
Hex Flange Nut
Spindle Assembly
• Use a 15/16" wrench to remove the hex flange nut
that secures the blade to the spindle assembly. See
Figure 16.
• To properly sharpen the cutting blades, remove
equal amounts of metal from both ends of the
blades along the cutting edges, parallel to the
trailing edge, at a 25° to 30° angle. See Figure 17.
If the cutting edge of the blade has already
IMPORTANT:
been sharpened to within 5/8" of the wind wing radius,
or if any metal separation is present, replace the
blades. See Figure 17.
• Grind each cutting blade edge equally to maintain
proper blade balance.
WARNING:
cause excessive vibration, may damage the
tractor and cause personal injury.
• Test the blade 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.
Use a torque wrench to tighten the blade
IMPORTANT:
spindle hex flange nut to between 70 foot-pounds and
90 foot-pounds.
20
Wood Block
Figure 16
A poorly balanced blade will