Craftsman CTX 9000 Operator's Manual page 27

Servicing the Mower Blades
WARNING
For your personal safety, do not handle the sharp
mower blades with bare hands. Careless or improper
handling of blades may result in serious injury.
WARNING
For your personal safety, blade mounting capscrews
must each be installed with a hex/spline washer and
spring washer, then securely tightened. Torque blade
mounting capscrew to 50-60 ft-lbs (68-81 Nm).
NOTE: Mower blades must be aligned perpendicular to each
other.
1. Remove mower deck (see Removing the Mower
Deck).
2. To remove blade, use a block of wood to prevent blade
rotation while loosing the capscrew (see Figure 28).
3. Remove capscrew (A, Figure 29), spring washer (B)
and blade.
4. Use a file to sharpen blade to a fine edge. if blade is
damaged, it must be replaced.
5. Balance the blade as shown in Figure 30. Place the
center hole of the blade on a nail lubricated with a drop
of oil. A balanced blade will remain level.
6. Reinstall the blade (Figure 29) with the airlifts pointing
up toward the mower deck as shown.
7. Reinstall the spring washer (B) and capscrew (A). Use
a wooden block (C) to prevent blade rotation while
tightening the capscrew (A) to 50-60 ft-lbs (68-81 Nm).
LOOSEN
Figure 28
Figure 29
Figure 30
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