8
ASSEMBLY

INSTALL MULCHER PLATE (See Fig. 6)

NOTE: If you installed the mulching blades you will need to install
the mulcher plate.
•Raise and hold deflector shield in upright position.
•Place front of mulcher plate over front of mower deck
opening and slide into place, as shown.
•Hook front latch into hole on front of mower deck.
•Hook rear latch into hole on back of mower deck.
CAUTION: Do not remove deflector shield
from mower. Raise and hold shield when
attaching mulcher plate and allow it to
rest on plate while in operation.
DEFLECTOR
SHIELD
FIG. 6
LATCH
HOOKS
MULCHER
PLATE

TO SET UP YOUR MOWER FOR MULCHING

(See Fig. 5)

•Turn the mower over to allow access to blades.
•Remove hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer and
remove high performance blades. Store in safe place.
•Install mulcher blades with trailing edge up towards deck
as shown.
IMPORTANT: TO ENSURE PROPER ASSEMBLY, CENTER
HOLE IN BLADE MUST ALIGN WITH STAR ON MANDREL
ASSEMBLY.
•Reassemble hex bolt, lock washer and flat washer in
exact order as shown.
•Tighten bolt securely (27-35 Ft. Lbs. torque).
IMPORTANT: BLADE BOLT IS GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED.
•Install mulcher plate if previously removed.
FIG. 5
MANDREL
ASSEMBLY
BLADE
TRAILING EDGE UP
FLAT
WASHER
LOCK
WASHER
HEX BOLT
(GRADE 8)*
*A GRADE 8 HEAT TREATED BOLT CAN BE
IDENTIFIED BY SIX LINES ON THE BOLT HEAD.
CENTER
HOLE
STAR
YOUR MOWER CAME FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH HIGH
PERFORMANCE BLADES, WHICH ARE THE BEST
BLADES FOR BAGGING AND DISCHARGING. TO USE
YOUR MOWER WITH THE HIGH PERFORMANCE BLADES
THE MULCHER PLATE MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE
MOWER (SEE FIG. 5).
IMPORTANT: FOR SHIPPING PURPOSES, THE
MULCHER PLATE WAS PREATTACHED TO YOUR
MOWER. THE MULCHER PLATE MUST ONLY BE USED
WITH THE MULCHING BLADES THAT CAME PACKED
SEPARATELY IN THE CARTON.

TO CONVERT TO BAGGING OR

DISCHARGING

NOTE: The mulcher blades will discharge and bag grass, but
for best bagging and discharging install the high performance
blades.
•Remove mulcher plate and mulcher blades and install
high performance blades, (see BLADE REMOVAL in the
Maintenance section of this manual)
•Store mulcher blades and mulcher plate in a safe place.
Your mower is now ready for discharging or installation
of optional grass catcher accessory.

INSTALL MOWER AND DRIVE BELT

(See Figs. 7 and 8)

Be sure tractor is on level surface and mower suspension
arms are raised with attachment lift control. Engage parking
brake.
•Cut and remove ties securing anti-sway bar and belts.
Swing anti-sway bar to left side of mower deck.
•Slide mower under tractor with deflector shield to right
side of tractor.
IMPORTANT: Check belt for proper routing in all mower
pulley grooves.
•If equipped, turn height adjustment knob counterclock-
wise until it stops.
•Lower mower linkage with attachment lift control.
•Install belt into electric clutch pulley groove.
•Place the suspension arms on inward pointing deck
pins. Retain with double loop retainer spring with loops
down as shown.
•Install front plate assembly to tractor suspension brack-
ets and retain with single loop retainer springs as shown.
•Position front plate assembly between front mower
brackets. Raise deck and plate assembly to align holes
and insert flanged pins. Secure pins with double loop
retainer springs between the plate and mower brackets.
NOTE: To assist in locating hole in flanged pin, the hole in
pin is inline with notch on head of pin. If necessary, move
mower side-to-side to give space between plate and mower
brackets.