Instructions for Installing a Blade in an MTD 18 HP Dozer

Turn off your mower, remove the ignition key and then, when you are certain the engine has cooled down, disconnect the spark plug wire and red cable from the battery. Do not touch the wrench with any metal. Pull the parking break so that it does not move. Put the deck height lever at its full -- or highest -- position.

Put a block of wood beneath the deck and lower the deck onto the wood. Undo the self-tapping screw that keeps the belt keeper in place and remove the belt.

Remove the clip that keeps the hanger rod in place and then remove the rod itself. Repeat on both sides of the engine. Remove the clip on the deck stabilizer and remove the deck lift rod. Remove the wooden block.

Remove the clip that holds the PTO cable in place and slide the deck from under the mower. Turn the deck over to see the blades. Using gloves, secure the blade into the blade removal tool and then undo the bolt that keeps the blade in place. Remove the blade.

Insert the new blade into the device. Remove the removal tool. Slide the deck back in. Reattach the tension spring, the PTO cable, the clip, then the deck lift rod, the mounting bracket and the clip. Reattach the hang rod, the clip and then the sides of the mower. Reattach the belt into the engine pulley; attach the belt keeper and then screw the self-tapping screws. Attach the red cable to the battery and then the spark plug ignition wire.