Service Manual

Checking and Correcting Mismatch of Blades (Fig. 5)
If there is mismatch between the blades, the grass will
appear streaked when it is cut. This problem can be
corrected by making sure the blades are straight and all
blades are cutting on the same plane.
1. Using a 3 foot long carpenters level, find a flat surface
on
the shop floor.
2. Set rear caster wheels in the upper hole of caster
forks and adjust height of cut so all six height of cut
spacers are below the caster arm.
3. Lower cutting unit onto flat surface. Remove covers
fr
om top of cutting unit. Loosen idler pulleys to release
tension against all three belts.
4. Rotate blades until the ends face forward and back-
war
d. Measure from floor to front tip of cutting edge and
remember this dimension. Then rotate same blade so
opposite end is forward and measure again. The differ-
ence between dimensions must not exceed 1/8 inch. If
difference exceeds 1/8 inch, replace the blade because
it is bent. Make sure to measure all three blades.
5. Compare measurements of outer blades with the
cen
ter blade. Center blade must not be more than 3/8
inch lower than outer blades. If center blade is more than
3/8 inch lower than outer blades, proceed to step 7 and
add shims between spindle housing and bottom of
cutting unit.
6. Rotate blades so tips line up with one another. Tips
of
the adjacent blades must be within 1/8 inch of each
other. If tips are not within 1 /8 inch of each other,
proceed to step 7 and add shims between spindle
housing and bottom of cutting unit.
7. Remove cap screws, flat washers, lock washers and
nu
ts from outer spindle, in the area where shims must
be added. To raise or lower the blade, add a shim, Part
No. 3256-24, between spindle housing and bottom of
cutting unit. Continue to check alignment of blade and
add shims until tips of blades are within the required
dimension.
IMPORTANT: Do not use more than three shims at
a
ny one hole location. Use decreasing numbers of
shims in adjacent holes if more than one shim is
added to any one hole location.
8. Tension idler pulleys against all three belts. Also
in
stall covers to top of cutting unit.
9. Set rear caster wheels in lower holes in caster forks
if he
ight of cut is above one (1) inch and adjust height
of cut.
10. Mount cutting unit to traction unit: refer to Mounting
Cutt
ing Unit To Traction Unit
1/8"
Figure 5
Adjustments P
age 11 - 6 Groundsmaster
®
300 Series