14.Re-install the idler bracket backstop components as originally installed in the deck housing, and position so that there is a 1⁄8” gap between the backstop and idler bracket. Tighten the hex screw and flange lock nut to secure in the adjusted position.

15.If the timing belt was installed correctly and the timing arrows were positioned as shown in Fig. 7-5, the cutting blades should be in the position shown in Fig. 7-6.

90°

Figure 7-6

16.Reinstall the PTO belt onto the RH spindle drive pulley and re-install the deck as described in “Re-installing the Cutting

Deck” below.

Reinstalling the Cutting Deck

There are two methods for reinstalling the mower deck on the tractor. One method involves rotating the PTO belt idler bracket to relieve enough belt tension to allow the belt to be placed

in either the PTO pulley or the fixed idler pulley. Because that method is difficult, we recommend using the second method of rolling the belt onto the PTO pulley.

Install the cutting deck as follows:

1.From the right side of the tractor, slide the deck under the tractor and align the rear deck hanger brackets with the deck lift arms.

2.Slide the deck forward and place the deck front hanger rod into the slots of the deck front hanger bracket. Then slide the deck rearward so that the front hanger rod is at the front of the slots.

3.Using the deck lift lever, lower the deck lift arms. From either side of the tractor, pull the support pin in the deck rear hanger bracket outward, align the deck lift arm hole with the deck support pin and release the pin so that it goes through the deck lift arm. Repeat on the other side of the tractor to secure the deck.

4.After first making sure the deck belt is properly engaged in all of the deck pulleys, route the deck belt forward through the center of the front deck hanger rod and toward the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine.

5.Using the deck lift handle, raise the deck to the position that gives you the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine.

6.Sitting in front of the tractor, facing rearward, make certain the belt is not twisted; then reach beneath the tractor to grasp the belt and pull it toward the PTO pulley.

NOTE: References to left and right are from the front of the tractor in the following instructions.

7.Pull the right side of the belt forward and place the narrow V side of the belt into the PTO pulley.

8.While holding the belt and pulley together, rotate the pulley to the left. Continue holding and rotating the pulley and belt until the belt is fully rolled into the PTO pulley. See

Fig. 7-7.

PTO Pulley

PTO Belt

Figure 7-7

WARNING! Use caution to prevent pinching your fingers when rolling the belt onto the PTO pulley.

Checking the Cutting Blade Timing

During normal operation the timing of the cutting blades can be altered by abnormal loads on one, or both, cutting blades. Regularly check the timing arrows on the spindle assemblies to make certain they are 90° from each other.

If the timing arrows are not 90° from each other, proceed as follows:

•Remove the deck from the tractor. Remove the idler bracket backstop. Refer to Fig. 7-4.

•Pivot the idler bracket/idler pulley to relieve the tension on the timing belt, and reposition the drive pulley and/or timing pulley to achieve the 90° orientation of the timing arrows.

•Re-install the idler bracket backstop and position so that there is a 1⁄8” gap between the backstop and idler bracket.

Tighten the hex screw and flange lock nut to secure in the adjusted position.

26Section 7— Service