Installation

Preparing the Machine

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Engage the parking brake.

  3. Raise the mower deck to the TRANSPORT position; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

  4. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  5. Rotate the mower deck to the SERVICE position; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

Removing the Plugs

60-inch Deck:

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72-inch Deck:

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Removing the Blades

  1. Grasp the end of the blade using a rag or thickly-padded glove.

  2. Remove the blade bolt, anti-scalp cup, and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 3).

    Retain the parts for later installation.

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Removing the Existing Baffles

For 60-inch Mower Decks

Remove the existing baffles and fasteners from the mower deck as shown in Figure 4.

Retain the parts if you remove the kit in the future.

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For 72-inch Mower Decks

Remove the existing baffles and fasteners from the mower deck as shown in Figure 5.

Retain the parts if you remove the kit in the future.

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Installing the Recycler Baffles

Parts needed for this procedure:

Rear, right baffle1
Rear, center baffle1
Rear, left baffle1
Side kicker baffle2
Center kicker baffle1
Locknut (3/8 inch)12
Carriage bolt (3/8 x 7/8 inch)12

For 60-inch Mower Decks

  1. Loosely secure the rear, right baffle to the mower deck using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

  2. Loosely secure the rear, left baffle to the mower deck using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

  3. Loosely secure the rear, center baffle to the mower deck using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

  4. Loosely secure the rear, center baffle to the rear, right baffle using 1 carriage bolt (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 1 locknut (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

  5. Loosely secure the 2 side kicker baffles and center kicker baffle using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 6.

    Note: The hooked end of each kicker baffle attaches to the slot in the chamber baffle.

    Note: You may need to loosen the mating baffle to allow the hooked end of the kicker baffle to fit correctly.

  6. Plug the holes using the hardware removed in procedure Removing the Plugs.

    Install carriage bolts in the square holes. Install button-head bolts in round holes.

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For 72-inch Mower Decks

  1. Loosely secure the rear, right baffle to the mower deck using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

  2. Loosely secure the rear, left baffle to the mower deck using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

  3. Loosely secure the rear, center baffle to the mower deck using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

  4. Loosely secure the rear, center baffle to the rear, right baffle and rear, left baffle using 2 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 2 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

  5. Loosely secure the 2 side kicker baffles and center kicker baffle using 3 carriage bolts (3/8 x 7/8 inch) and 3 locknuts (3/8 inch) as shown in Figure 7.

    Note: The hooked end of each kicker baffle attaches to the slot in the chamber baffle.

    Note: You may need to loosen the mating baffle to allow the hooked end of the kicker baffle to fit correctly.

  6. Plug the holes using the hardware removed in procedure Removing the Plugs.

    Install carriage bolts in the square holes. Install button-head bolts in round holes.

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Installing the Blades

Install the blade, anti-scalp cup, and blade bolt and tighten the blade bolt to 115 to 149 N∙m (85 to 110 ft-lb) as shown in Figure 8.

Important: The curved part of the blade must point toward the inside of the mower deck to ensure proper cutting.

Note: After striking a foreign object, torque all spindle-pulley nuts to 115 to 149 N∙m (85 to 110 ft-lb).

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Tightening the Hardware

  1. Tighten all nuts and bolts for the baffles.

  2. Rotate the blades and ensure that there is clearance between the blades and the baffles. If there is not, loosen the baffle(s) until there is clearance and then secure the baffle(s).

Completing the Installation

Rotate the mower deck to the MOWING position; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

Converting Back to Rear Discharge

  1. Park the machine on a level surface.

  2. Engage the parking brake.

  3. Raise the mower deck to the TRANSPORT position; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

  4. Shut off the engine and remove the key.

  5. Rotate the mower deck to the SERVICE position; refer to your Operator’s Manual.

  6. Remove the recycler baffles.

    Retain the hardware.

  7. Replace the recycler blades with standard blades (if applicable).

  8. Install the hex-socket bolts (3/8 x 3/4 inch) and the flange nuts (3/8 inch) in the holes on top of the deck with the bolt head underneath.

    Note: You must plug all open holes not covered by belt shields or the frame to prevent sand and/or other small objects from being thrown up through the deck.