Deck Removal

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.

Remove the mower deck from the tractor as follows:

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

2.Place the deck lift pedal in the lowest mowing position and replace the pin in front of pedal in the deck height bracket to secure it in place.

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.

3.Reduce the tension on the PTO belt by moving the idler arm lever toward the back of the tractor, then remove the belt from the pulley. See Fig. 7-2.

Idler Arm Lever

Figure 7-2

4.Remove the four hair pins from the right and left side of the deck lift bracket. See Fig. 7-3.

Deck Lift

 

Bracket

Hair Pin

 

Hair Pin

Figure 7-3

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 Fig.

7-4. 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 7-4

30Section 7— Service