Seat Switch

•With the speed control pedals in the neutral position, the parking brake engaged and the PTO switch in the “OFF” position, start the engine. Now release the parking brake, hold down on the back of the operator’s seat against spring pressure. Release the operator’s seat and the engine should stop. If the engine does not stop, the seat switch must be replaced. See an authorized service dealer.

•With the speed control pedals in the neutral position, the parking brake engaged and the blade clutch switch in the “OFF” position, sit in the operator’s seat and start the engine. Turn the PTO switch to the “ON” position and the blades should start to rotate. Raise up slightly off the operator’s seat and the blades should stop. If the blades do not stop when you dismount from the operator’s seat, the seat switch must be replaced. See an authorized service dealer.

Electric PTO Clutch

This clutch operates when the engine is running, the operator is in the operator’s seat and the blade clutch switch is turned on. This electric clutch is a fairly trouble free device. If a problem develops and the blades do not turn, first check the 20 amp fuse in the yellow, 16-gauge wire between terminal “L” on the ignition switch and the hour meter and then investigate the wiring harness and the connections to the seat switch, the blade clutch switch and the electric blade clutch. Then check the seat switch, the PTO switch and finally the electric blade clutch. If the PTO clutch is still not working properly, see an authorized service dealer.

Deck Removal

Remove the mower deck from the tractor as follows:

1.Lower the deck to the ground. Capture the deck lift by placing the clevis pin behind the lowest position.

2.Apply the parking brake. Remove ignition key and both spark plug caps.

3.Remove tension off the PTO belt by moving the belt tensioning rod. See Fig. 7-2.

NOTE: There is a certain amount of spring tension due to the weight of the deck. When removing the lift linkage from the deck the tension of the springs will go from the deck to the deck lift pedal. Not capturing the deck lift pedal while removing the lift linkage from the deck will cause it to snap back.

4.Detach the mower drive belt.

5.Remove the six linch pins from the right and left side of the mower and from the front of the mower.

6.Turn front wheels as if to make a pivot turn.

7.Shift the deck toward the operator’s left side of the mower and remove.

8.To install reverse the process.

Warning! The muffler at the rear of the tractor may be extremely hot, and could cause serious burns. Use extreme caution when near the muffler. Allow the muffler to fully cool before removing the belt from the PTO pulley.

Replacing the Deck Belt

1.Set the parking brake. Remove ignition key and both spark plug caps.

2.Pull the four draw latches up and away from the deck covers to unlatch and remove both covers.

3.Using a 1⁄2” socket breaker bar or socket ratchet insert the male end into the 1⁄2” square opening in the lower idler arm assembly and pull the idler arm clockwise. See Fig. 7-3.

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

Idler Arm Lever

Figure 7-2

Idler Arm

Figure 7-3

4.Remove tension of the PTO belt by moving the belt tensioning rod. See Fig. 7-2. Loosen the belt retaining bolt.

5.Pull the tensioner pulley away from the belt and remove the PTO belt then remove the deck belt.

6.Reverse the process to install the belt.

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”.

38Section 7— Service