How to Change the Blade on a Cub Cadet LT1050
The Cub Cadet is a small lawn and garden tractor that was first introduced in the early 1960s. The 1000 Series Cub Cadet is an entry-level tractor that comes in several different models. The LT1050 comes standard with a 24-hp V-twin engine that is manufactured by Briggs & Stratton.
The mower deck cuts a 50-inch width swath and contains two cutting blades. The blades must be removed periodically for sharpening or replacement.
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Raise the cutting deck to its highest setting using the deck adjustment lever to the right of the driver’s seat. Drive the front wheels of the tractor onto automotive ramps or blocks of wood and set the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels. Turn the engine off.
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Crawl under the tractor and wedge a block of wood in between the center baffle of the cutting deck and the cutting blade you wish to remove; this will keep the blade from turning while removing the center retaining nut.
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Loosen and remove the center retaining nut on the cutting blade you wish to remove with a 1 1/8-inch socket and ratchet wrench in a counterclockwise direction.
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Lower the blade from the cutting deck and remove it. Raise a new blade into position over the mounting stud, making sure the part number or the word “bottom” stamped into the blade is facing the ground.
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Replace the center retaining nut and tighten it with a torque wrench to between 70 and 90 foot-pounds. Remove the block of wood.
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Repeat the procedure to replace the remaining cutting blade.
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Remove the wheel chocks and carefully back the tractor off of the ramps or blocks of wood.
Things You Will Need
- Automotive ramps or blocks of wood
- 2 wheel chocks
- Work gloves
- Block of wood
- 1 1/8-inch socket
- Ratchet wrench
- Replacement cutting blade(s)
- Torque wrench
Warning
Wear heavy gloves when working with cutting blades, as they are very sharp.
To prevent accidental starting of the tractor while replacing a cutting blade, remove the key from the ignition. Open the hood and pull both spark plug wires straight off of the spark plugs. Push the wires back into place once the procedure has been completed.
References
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