Replacing Mower Blades

1. NOTE: MOD decks should use standard blades and NOT mulch blades.

   Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Lower mower deck to the lowest cutting height position.

3. 
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   Loosen two retaining knobs (A).

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4. Remove belt shield (B) by lifting straight up.

5. CAUTION: The machine can fall or slip from an unsafe lifting device or supports.

   • Use a safe lifting device rated for the load to be lifted.
   • Lower machine onto jack stands or other stable supports and block wheels before servicing.
   
   

   
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   Place jack (C) under the mower deck lip close to the center anti-scalp wheels (D).

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6. Lift machine to desired working height.

7. Support the front of the machine with jack stands (F) under the caster arm (E).

8. CAUTION: Do not work near raised mower deck unless it is safely supported.

   Mower blades are sharp. Wrap blades or wear gloves when servicing.

   Before performing any service function, wait for all moving parts to stop turning.

   Disconnect battery or remove spark plug wire before making repairs.

   IMPORTANT: When replacing mower blades, always use genuine John Deere service parts.

   
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   Support the blade (J) and cap screw (L).

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9. Remove hex nut (G) by turning counterclockwise.

10. Remove three washers (H).

11. Remove cap screw (L), washer (K), blade (J), and three washers (I).

12. Install new or re-sharpened blade:

    • Blade spacers must be reinstalled in the same quantity and location.
    • Blade wing must face toward top of mower deck.
    
    

    IMPORTANT: When installing the blade:

    • Make sure the blade is properly seated on the spindle.
    • Make sure the concave side of the large washer faces towards the blade.
    
    
    • Install blade (J), washer (K), three washers (I), and cap screw (L).
    • Install three washers (H) and hex nut (I).
    • Tighten blade cap screw to specification.

      Item	Measurement	Specification
      Cap Screw	Torque	95-108 N·m (70-80 lb.-ft.)

    
    

13. Lower machine.

14. Adjust mower deck to a desirable cutting height.