Cub Cadet 2176 manual Section V. Mower Deck, A. Deck Leveling Adjustments

SECTION V. MOWER DECK

This section contains adjustment, removal, installation, and maintenance information for the 42-inch mower deck. Instructions for installation and removal of the optional mulching plug are located at the end of this section.

A. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS

In order to achieve even cutting, the mower deck must be properly leveled. This leveling procedure will result in the left and right blades having corresponding front cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch of each other. Also, the right and the left blades will each have a 1/8 to 1/4 inch downward tilt toward the front of the tractor. To level the mower deck, proceed as follows:

SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT

1.Position the tractor and mower deck on a hard, level surface.

2.Open the tractor hood and disconnect the spark plug wire.

3.The mower deck front and rear gauge wheels should be installed in their uppermost position in the deck brackets to prevent contact with the hard, level surface below. Refer to GAUGE WHEEL ADJUSTMENT.

4.Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its highest setting.

5.Position the mower blades so that the ends of each blade face the right and left sides of the tractor (Refer to Figure 28).

WARNING

Before making any adjustments, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the brake pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position, remove the key from the switch and remove the spark plug wire to avoid accidental starting and injury.

WARNING

When adjusting the mower deck, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades.

NOTE

If the mower deck is not level, the mower will not cut your lawn evenly.

NOTE

Check the tires for proper inflation before making a leveling adjustment. To level the deck, the tractor and deck MUST be placed on a hard, level surface during adjustment.

DECK

INSTALLED

MOWER

BLADES

Figure 28

6.Referring to Figure 29, measure and record the distance from the hard, level surface to the outer- most cutting edge of the right blade. Repeat this step for the left blade. If the two blade heights are not within 1/16 inch, proceed to steps 7, 8 and 9. If the two blade heights are within 1/16 inch, proceed to FRONT TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT.

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