How to Remove a Craftsman Rider Mower Blade

Craftsman riding lawn mowers utilize a single blade below the tractor that spins at a high rate of speed to cut the grass. The metal blade will eventually become dull after many cuts and should be sharpened or replaced. To test the sharpness of the blade, cut a few blades of grass with a pair of scissors, then look at the ends of the clippings from the lawn mower. If the clippings are shredded, compared to the straight cut made with the scissors, then the blade should be replaced or sharpened. Prior to installing a new blade, or having an old blade sharpened, it must be removed from the lawn mower.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench set
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Pliers

Instructions

Deck Removal

1. Turn off the mower, engage the parking brake, and place the blade engage lever in the disengaged position.

2. Move the deck lift lever on the right fender to the bottom notch to lower the deck.

3. Remove the screw securing the belt keeper rod from the deck and then remove the belt keeper rod and the belt from the blade engagement pulley.

4. Locate the bow-tie pin on the left side of the deck, which secures the support rod to the left side of the deck. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the bow-tie pin and then remove the deck support from the lift arm. Repeat this step on the right side of the deck.

5. Adjust the deck lift lever, located on the right-fender, so that it is all the way up, moving the deck lift arms out of the way.

6. Use a screwdriver or pliers to remove the bow-tie cotter pin, which secures the deck stabilizer rod to the deck. Remove the deck lift rod from the mounting bracket.

7. Remove the bow-tie clip securing the blade engagement cable to the back of the deck using pliers or a screwdriver.

8. Unclip the spring connected to the deck idler bracket.

9. Slide the cutting deck out from under the mower from the left side of the mower.

Blade Removal

1. Turn the deck upside down.

2. Place a wood block between the blade and the center deck-housing baffle to prevent the blade from moving.

3. Remove the hex nut in the center of the blade. Then lift the nut, washers and blade off the deck.

References

• Craftsman: Lawn Tractor Owner's Manual