Drive the Cub Cadet mower onto flat ground. Set the parking brake to the "Engaged" setting. Move the transmission lever into the "Neutral" position. Turn the ignition off and take the key from the ignition switch.
Remove the spark plug wire from the end of the spark plug. Hoist the lift lever to raise the mowing deck to its highest position. Insert the block of wood under the cutting deck and position the blade against the wood so it won't rotate during blade removal.
Unscrew the hex nut in the center of the blade with the socket wrench. Pull the hex nut and washer off the post. Slide the cutting blade away from the mower deck. Fit the new blade onto the metal post.
Place the washer on top of the blade. Fit the hex nut to the post and tighten with your fingers. Secure the hex nut with the socket wrench to 35 foot-pounds of torque. Lower the mower deck to resume cutting.