How to Change the Blade on your Cub Cadet Ultima ZT1 42E Lithium-Ion Zero-Turn Lawn Mower
Over time, the blades on your riding lawn mower can become worn out, bent or dinged. This gradual damage can reduce the effectiveness of your mower, so be sure to sharpen or replace the blades if you notice these signs of wear. How often you visually check the blades depends on how regularly the mower is used. Check the blades at least twice a year, at the beginning and middle of the mowing season, or more often if you mow year-round. This video will show you how replace the blades on your Cub Cadet riding mower. Depending on your model, the instructions in this video may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your operator's manual for detailed instructions.
Imbed video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7W5gZf-KNg
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1 - Prepare your riding mower for maintenance.
Place your mower on a flat, level surface. Turn the mower off, remove the ignition key and engage the parking brake.
Step 2 – Set your mower’s deck height to the lowest setting.
Step 3 – Disconnect the deck motors.
Disconnect the deck motors from the adapters on the underside of the unit by rotating the connectors a 1/4-turn counterclockwise and pulling down.
Step 4 - Remove 3 cotter pins and release the deck pins that secure the deck.
Step 5 – Raise the deck arm up and out of the way.
Step 6 – Slide the deck out from underneath the unit.
It is recommended to have someone assist with pulling the deck out.
Step 7 – Carefully flip the deck over to access the blades.
Wear gloves for protection. A block of wood or the Arnold Blade Removal Tool (490-850-0005) can be used to stop the blades from rotating. Use a 5/8” socket or wrench to loosen the blade bolts.
Step 8 - Replace the blades.
Carefully replace the blades and tighten the bolts securely per the specifications in your owner’s manual. When properly installed the word bottom or the blade part number will face the ground.
Step 9 - Reinstall your cutting deck following the steps in reverse order.
Flip the deck over and carefully slide the deck back into place under the mower.
Step 10 – Reattach the deck.
Slide the deck pins back into place and reconnect the cotter pins.
Step 11 – Reconnect the deck motors.
Rotate the adapters a 1/4-turn clockwise to secure and route the wires through the cable ties.
Always use genuine OEM replacement parts when servicing your equipment. Use our Parts Finder to locate and order any replacement parts you may need for maintenance. Refer to your operator’s manual for additional maintenance information.
