MTD 1742 Lawn Mower User Manual


 
Leveling the Deck (Side to Side)
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side to side
adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary as follows:
With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the 1.
deck lift lever in the middle position and rotate both blades
so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade 2.
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 not, proceed to the next step.
Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the left deck 3.
hanger bracket. See Fig. 6-6.
Using a wrench, raise or lower the left side of the deck by 4.
turning the adjustment gear. See Fig. 6-6.
The deck is properly leveled when both blade tip measurements
taken in step 2 are equal. Retighten the hex bolt on the left deck
hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
Parking Brake Adjustment
If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake
pedal is completely depressed, or if the tractor’s rear wheels
can roll with the parking brake applied, the brake is in need of
adjustment. See an authorized service dealer to have the brake
properly adjusted.
Adjusting the Seat
Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual for seat
adjustment instructions.
WARNING! Before operating the tractor, make sure
the seat is engaged in the seat-stop. Engage the
parking brake. Stand behind the machine and pull
back on seat until it clicks into place.
Steering Adjustment
If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other, or if
the ball joints are being replaced due to damage or wear, the
steering drag links may need to be adjusted.
Adjust the drag links so that equal lengths of each are threaded
into the ball joint on the left side and the ball joint on the right
side:
Remove the hex nut below the ball joint. See Fig. 6-7.1.
Thread the ball joint inward to shorten the drag link. 2.
Thread the ball joint outward to lengthen the drag link.
Replace the hex nut after proper adjustment is achieved.3.
NOTE: Threading the ball joints too far onto the drag links
will cause the front tires to “toe-in” too far. Proper toe-in is
between ⁄” and ⁄”.
Front tire toe-in can be measured as follows:4.
Place the steering wheel in position for straight a.
ahead travel.
In front of the axle, measure the distance b.
horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the
inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
Behind the axle, measure the distance horizontally c.
from the inside of the left rim to the inside of the
right rim. Note the distance.
The measurement taken in front of the axle should be 5.
between ⁄” and ⁄” less than the measurement taken
behind the axle.
Hex Bolt
Adjustment
Gear
Figure 6-6
Hex Nut
Drag Link
Ball Joint
Figure 6-7
23se c t i O n 6 — Ma i n t e n a n c e & ad j u s t M e n t s