are the slower, less sensitive setting. You must then perform the Tracking Adjustment described below.
How to Perform the Tracking Adjustment
First ensure that the tire pressure is equal on both rear drive tires. Drive the mower on a level parking lot with engine at full throttle. Check that the mower drives in a straight line when both hand controls are held to the full speed position which is up against the stationary control bar. If not, park the mower and stop the engine. Before proceeding to adjusting the mower tracking, check and make sure both controls move freely through the forward and reverse range. Make sure that debris has not hindered the movement of the upper and lower control rods and linkages. If all control linkages move freely and mower tracking is off, proceed to the next step.
Tracking in the 10 & 12 MPH Setting
It is essential to start with the lower (and shorter) control rods located near the pumps. With the control levers in the neutral position, the right and left lower control rod should be adjusted to allow their respective torsion bar to remain level at the end connected to the lower control rod. Specifically, with the pump in the
Loosen the jam nuts on both ends of the upper control rod. Note: the Speed Sensitivity setting on both sides should be set together in the middle hole (factory) position. Rotate control rod to either lengthen or shorten. So, if the mower is tracking to the left, either the left side needs to go faster (by lengthening the upper control rod on the right) or the right side needs to go slower (by shortening the upper control rod on the left). If the mower is tracking to the right, either the right side needs to go faster (by lengthening the upper control rod on the left) or the left side needs to go slower (by shortening the upper control rod on the right).
torsion rods are level, proceed to the upper control rods connected to the control levers.
Loosen the jam nuts on both ends of the upper control rod. Note: the Speed Sensitivity setting should be set to the fast position. Before changing the length of the control rods several facts are important to know.
In the faster Speed/Sensitivity setting neither control rod should be shortened so much that at full speed it pulls the pump control lever (on the sides of the pumps) against the pump’s internal stop. The pumps have an internal stop that is not designed to take this type of force and could eventually cause pump leakage or other damage to the pump. Therefore, to reach the maximum capable speed, the rods should be lengthened one turn at a time until you can feel in the hand control that the internal stop has been contacted with the control handles in the maximum forward position. Then shorten the cable one turn. This will enable the stationary bar to stop the control handle and protect the internal pump stop from damage. Remember, this procedure does not apply if the Speed/Sensitivity Adjustment is in the slower setting.
So, if the mower is tracking to the left, either the left side needs to go faster (by lengthening the upper control rod on the right) or the right side needs to go slower (by shortening the upper control rod on the left). If the mower is tracking to the right, either the right side needs to go faster (by lengthening the upper control rod on the left) or the left side needs to go slower (by shortening the upper control rod on the right).
The only reference point to limit the adjustment from becoming extremely off is the relative position of the pump internal stop and the stationary bar in the faster Speed/Sensitivity setting. Therefore, if everything is extremely off either because you are installing new parts or other reasons you should only use the faster Speed/ Sensitivity setting to get the tracking to be accurate. After getting the mower to track straight, readjust the neutral adjustment, if necessary. It is normal to need to make these adjustments from time to time as the linkage breaks in or wears.
Tracking in the 13.5 MPH Setting
It is essential to start with the lower (and shorter) control rods located near the pumps. With the control levers in the neutral position, the right and left lower control rod should be adjusted to allow their respective torsion bar to remain level at the end connected to the lower control rod. Specifically, with the pump in the
Test/Use the Blade Clutch/Brake Switch
Before testing the blade clutch/brake operation, make sure the area is clear and there is nothing vulnerable to thrown objects from under the mower. No one should be near the mower deck or in its line of discharge. The discharge chute deflector should be in the down position. The parking brake should now be applied. Move the engine throttle to ¾ speed setting. (When mowing, the engine speed should always be at its highest setting. The engine governor will regulate the engine according to the different mowing conditions at that setting.) Place
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