6.While sitting in the operator’s position on the tractor, start the engine and place the throttle lever in the FAST (rabbit) position.

7.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the ON position.

8.Remain in the operator’s position with the cutting deck engaged for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly rinse.

9.Move the tractor’s PTO (Blade Engage) into the OFF position.

10.Turn the ignition key to the STOP position to turn the tractor’s engine off.

11.Turn the water off and detach the hose coupler from the water port on your deck’s surface.

12.On 46” decks, repeat steps 4 through 11 on the opposite side of the cutting deck.

IMPORTANT: After cleaning your deck with the Deck Wash System™ , return to the operator’s position and engage the PTO. Keep the cutting deck running for a minimum of two minutes, allowing the underside of the cutting deck to thoroughly dry.

Adjustments

Side to Side

Figure 6-3

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 23 for information regarding tire pressure.

Front To Rear

The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer bar that can be adjusted to level the deck from front to rear. The front of the deck should be between 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows:

1.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.

2.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.

3.Locate the jam nut and lock nut on the front side of the stabilizer bracket. See Fig. 6-3. After loosening the jam nut:

Tighten the lock nut to raise the front of the deck; Loosen the lock nut to lower the front of the deck.

4.Retighten the jam nut loosened earlier when proper adjustment is achieved.

If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:

1.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.

2.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.

3.Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket. See Fig. 6-4.

Figure 6-4

4.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.

22Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments