Replacing The Blades - Cub Cadet Z-Force 48 Operator's Manual

4. Remove the four hair pins from the right and left side of the
deck lift bracket. See Figure 1-3.
Deck Lift
Bracket
Hair Pin
Figure 1-3
5. Shift the deck forward until the trailing link is free and you
are able to remove the deck.
6. Turn the front caster wheels outward.
7. To install reverse the process.
8. Adjust the belt tension according to the instructions on page 28.
Replacing the Deck Belt
1. Follow the instructions for removing the deck.
2. Unscrew the wing nuts from the deck covers and remove
both covers.
3. Using a 3⁄8" socket breaker bar or socket ratchet insert the
drive end into the 3⁄8" square opening in the lower idler arm
assembly and push the idler arm counterclockwise. See
Figure 1-4. While holding the idler arm back, loosen the deck
belt from the pulley and slide the belt away from the pulley.
Figure 1-4
Hair Pin
Lower Idler Arm
Assembly
4. Remove the blade drive belt from all the pulleys.
5. Reverse the process to install the belt. See Figure 1-5 for
proper belt routing.
Figure 1-5
NOTE: When replacing belts do not overtighten. Adjust
the idler pulley so that a ten-pound pull with a spring scale
between two pulleys deflects the belt about 1⁄2".

Replacing the Blades

WARNING!
Before performing any maintenance,
place the PTO switch in the "OFF" position, engage the
parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the "OFF"
position and remove the key from the switch. Protect
your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the
blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful
not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
1. Remove key from the ignition and disconnect the spark plug.
2. Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and
block it in that position.
3. Wrap a rag around one end of the blade and grasp it to prevent
it from turning, or secure the blade by placing a block of wood
between the blade and the deck housing. See Figure 1-6.
Figure 1-6
S 7 — S 31
ection ervice