1.Measure the width of the outside edge of the disc as shown in Fig. 6-18. Replace the disc before the rubber edge wears to a thickness of 1⁄8” or less. Failure to do so could cause the steel underneath the rubber to damage the transmission pulley.

Disc Edge

Figure 6-18

2.Look for big cracks or missing chunks of rubber from the disc. If so damaged, the disc should be replaced immediately. See the Service section of this manual for instructions on replacing the disc.

NOTE: Extend the life of the reverse disc by always pausing in NEUTRAL before shifting between FORWARD and REVERSE. Also, the reverse disc is not suited for continuous or sustained reverse operation. Use reverse sparingly.

Checking and Adjusting the Reverse Drive System

When the Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever is moved up into REVERSE, the engine and engine mount move down to press on the reverse adjustment bolt. See Fig. 6-19.

Switch Body

Adjustment Bolt

Spring and Plunger

Figure 6-19

This action compresses the reverse spring and plunger assembly, requiring you to hold the lever up in REVERSE. When you release the lever, the spring automatically pushes the lever back into NEUTRAL position.

The spring and plunger assembly is designed to prevent the reverse disc from making contact with the transmission pulley until you shift into REVERSE. When the lever is in NEUTRAL, the switch body on the bottom of the engine mount tab should be resting squarely on top of the reverse adjustment bolt. See Fig.

6-19. The reverse adjustment bolt can be adjusted up or down to correct a number of reverse drive operating problems, as explained next.

Checking and Adjusting the Reverse Disc

1.Verify that the linkages for Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever are lubricated with oil and engine mount bars and belt adjustment block are lubricated with grease. See Lubrication earlier in this section.

2.Place Wheels/Tines/PTO Drive Lever in NEUTRAL. Briefly pull out the engine recoil starter handle while watching the reverse disc. The disc should turn, but lower pulley should not. See Fig. 6-20. If the reverse disc turns the lower pulley, or if it is located closer than 3⁄16” to the pulley, reverse adjustment bolt should be adjusted upward. Moving the adjustment bolt upward will also solve problem of a tiller that goes into REVERSE on its own.

Recoil Starter Handle

Reverse

Disc

Figure 6-20

34Section 6— Maintenance & Adjustments