Setting the Gauge Wheels

Tools Required

(2) 9/16" wrenches

Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift lever in any of the six different cutting height notches on the right fender.

Adjust the deck wheels so that they are between ¼-inch and ½-inch above the ground as follows.

WARNING: Keep hands and feet away from the discharge opening of the cutting deck.

Place the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, refer to Figure 5, and proceed as follows:

•Place the tractor’s deck lift handle in the normally desired mowing height setting, then check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below. There should be approximately 1/2" clearance.

•If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:

a.Raise the deck lift handle to its highest setting.

b.Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing the lock nuts and shoulder screws which secure them to the deck.

c.Place the deck lift handle in the desired mowing height setting.

d.Insert the shoulder screw with the rear gauge wheel into the index hole that leaves approximately 1/2" between the bottom of the wheel and the pavement. See Figure 5.

Figure 5

e.Note the position of the index hole used; then install the other rear gauge wheel into the corresponding index hole of the other gauge wheel brackets.

•If the gauge wheels have excessive clearance with the surface below, lower the wheels to the index hole that provides the approximate 1/2" clearance as described above.

Refer to Leveling the Deck on page 18 of this manual for more detailed instructions regarding various deck adjustments.