4.Remove the four hair pins from the right and left side of the deck lift bracket. See Figure 1-3.

Deck Lift

 

Bracket

Hair Pin

 

Hair Pin

Figure 1-3

5.Shift the deck forward until the trailing link is free and you are able to remove the deck.

6.Turn the front caster wheels outward.

7.To install reverse the process.

8.Adjust the belt tension according to the instructions on page 28.

Replacing the Deck Belt

1.Follow the instructions for removing the deck.

2.Unscrew the wing nuts from the deck covers and remove both covers.

3.Using a 3⁄8” socket breaker bar or socket ratchet insert the drive end into the 3⁄8” square opening in the lower idler arm assembly and push the idler arm counterclockwise. See

Figure 1-4. While holding the idler arm back, loosen the deck belt from the pulley and slide the belt away from the pulley.

Lower Idler Arm

Assembly

Figure 1-4

4.Remove the blade drive belt from all the pulleys.

5.Reverse the process to install the belt. See Figure 1-5 for proper belt routing.

Figure 1-5

NOTE: When replacing belts do not overtighten. Adjust the idler pulley so that a ten-pound pull with a spring scale between two pulleys deflects the belt about 1⁄2”.

Replacing the Blades

WARNING! Before performing any maintenance, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position and remove the key from the switch. Protect your hands by using heavy gloves when handling the blades. When servicing the mower deck, be careful

not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.

1.Remove key from the ignition and disconnect the spark plug.

2.Jack up the front of the mowing deck about one foot and block it in that position.

3.Wrap a rag around one end of the blade and grasp it to prevent it from turning, or secure the blade by placing a block of wood between the blade and the deck housing. See Figure 1-6.

Section 7 — Service

31

Figure 1-6