Leveling the Deck (Side to Side)

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 23 for information regarding tire pressure. Always level the deck side to side before front to rear.

NOTE: When leveling the deck side-to-side, make sure the two rear adjustment gears are set in the middle of the adjustment range.

If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:

1.With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift pedal in a middle mowing position and rotate both outside blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.

2.Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step.

3.Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the front left deck hanger link. See Fig. 6-7.

Adjustment

Gear

Hex Bolt

Figure 6-7

NOTE: The front right deck hanger link is not adjustable and is used to help adjust the other hanger links.

4.Using a wrench, raise or lower the left side of the deck by turning the adjustment gears. See Fig. 6-7.

The deck is properly leveled when both blade tip measurements are equal. Retighten the hex bolt on the front left deck hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.

Leveling the Deck (Front To Rear)

NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 23 for information regarding tire pressure. Always level the deck side to side before front to rear.

The front of the deck should be between 1⁄4” and 3⁄8” lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:

1.Park the tractor on a firm, level surface and place the deck lift pedal in a middle position.

2.Rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.

3.Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should be between 1⁄4” and 3⁄8” less than the second measurement.

4.Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary.

5.Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the left and right rear deck hanger brackets. See Fig. 6-7.

6.Using a wrench, raise or lower the left and right side of the deck by turning the adjustment gears. See Fig. 6-7.

7.The deck is properly leveled when the front tip of the blade is 1⁄4” lower tham the rear tip. Retighten the hex bolt on the left and right rear deck hanger links when proper adjustment is achieved.

Adjusting the Belt Tension

To tighten or loosen the tension on the belt, tighten or loosen the jam nuts on the U-rod, see Fig. 6-8, until a ten-pound pull with a spring scale deflects the belt about 1⁄2”.

Figure 6-8

24Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments