SECTION 5: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Never attempt to make any adjustments while the engine is running, except where specified in the operator’s manual.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 19 for information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between
•With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
•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.
•Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
•Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 9.
| Lock |
| Nuts |
Deck |
|
Stabilizer |
|
Bracket |
|
Deck | Jam |
| |
| Nuts |
Figure 9
•Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the stabilizer bracket. See Figure 9. Tighten the lock nuts to raise the front of the deck; loosen the lock nuts to lower the front of the deck.
•Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.
Side to Side
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:
•With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position) and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
•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.
•Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket. See Figure 10.
Adjustment Gear |
Hex Cap Screw |
Figure 10
•Balance the deck by using a wrench to turn the adjustment gear (found immediately behind the hex cap screw just loosened) clockwise/up or counterclockwise/down.
•The deck is properly balanced when both blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal.
•Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
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