Over time, the blades on your Cub Cadet Ultima Zero-Turn ride-on lawn mower can experience wear, becoming worn out, bent, or dinged. This gradual damage can diminish the mower’s effectiveness, making it essential to sharpen or replace the blades if signs of wear are noticed. The frequency of blade checks depends on your mowing routine. Inspect the blades at least twice annually – once at the start and mid-mowing season, or more often for year-round mowing. This instructional video demonstrates how to replace the blades on your mower. Please note that the instructions may slightly differ based on your model. Always consult your operator’s manual for comprehensive guidance.

Step 1: Get your riding mower ready for maintenance by placing it on a level, flat surface. Ensure that the engine is turned off and has cooled down. Safely disconnect the spark plug ignition wire, remove the ignition key, and engage the parking brake.

Step 2: Set the mower’s deck height to its lowest setting.

Step 3: Using a 3/8” socket or wrench, remove all 6 screws to detach both belt covers from the deck.

Step 4: With a 1/2” socket or the included access panel tool for Ultima models, remove the bolt securing the access panel.

Step 5: Use a 9/16” socket or wrench to pull the idler pulley arm back and release the belt tension.

Step 6: Loosen the idler pulley bolts with both a 9/16” socket and wrench, allowing the belt to be taken off from the idler pulleys and PTO clutch.

Step 7: Remove the 3 cotter pins and deck pins securing the deck. Slide out the deck from beneath the mower.

Step 8: Carefully flip the deck over to access the blades.

Step 9: Wearing gloves for protection, prevent blade rotation using a block of wood or the Arnold Blade Removal Tool. Loosen the blade nuts with a 15/16” socket or wrench.

Step 10: Carefully replace the blades, securely tightening the nuts according to owner’s manual specifications. Ensure the word “bottom” or the blade part number faces the ground.

Step 11: Following the reverse order of steps, flip the deck over and slide it back under the mower. Secure the deck pins and reconnect cotter pins.

Step 12: Place the belt as per the routing diagram, guiding it around the PTO clutch, idler pulleys, and spindle pulleys.

Step 13: Secure both belt covers in place.

Step 14: Reinstall the access panel and bolt.

Step 15: Complete the process by reconnecting the spark plug wires.

Your blade replacement is now complete, and your Cub Cadet Ultima zero-turn mower is ready for optimal performance.

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