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:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place the
deck lift lever in the second from the top notch (second
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 Figure 6-6.
Hex Cap Screw
Figure 6-6
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.
5. Retighten the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger
bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
Seat Adjustment
Refer to the Set-Up and Assembly section of this manual for seat
adjustment instructions.
Parking Brake Adjustment
WARNING! Never attempt to adjust the brakes
while the engine is running. Always disengage PTO,
move shift lever into neutral position, stop engine
and remove key to prevent unintended starting.
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 MTD Service Dealer to have your
brakes properly adjusted.
Adjustments
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 in the Service section of
this manual for more 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 ¼-inch and ⁄-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
lever for lifting the platform on the second to the top notch
(second highest position) and rotate the blade as close to
the discharge channel that is parallel to 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 ¼” and
⁄” less than the second measurement. Determine the
approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and
proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
3. Locate the flange lock nut on the front side of the stabilizer
bracket. See Figure 6-5. To level the deck from front to rear:
• Tighten the lock nut to raise the front of the deck;
• Loosen the Lock nut to lower the front of the deck.
Figure 6-5
22 Section 6— Maintenance & adjuStMentS