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How to Adjust Neutral
Neutral refers to the mower movement when the
engine is set to full throttle, parking brake is off, and
the control levers are in the neutral position. The
mower should not move forward or backward during
this time. If the mower is moving forward or
rearward, the neutral setting must be adjusted. The
hydraulic pump has a Return-to-Neutral (RTN)
device built into the linkage of the pump. Before
adjusting neutral, it is necessary to lift the rear drive
wheels off the ground using a jack and stands. To
make the adjustment, loosen the ¼” Allen bolt and
rotate the RTN device on the pump corresponding
to the wheel that needs adjustment. If the right
wheel turns in the neutral position, then the right
pump RTN needs to be adjusted. The RTN
mechanism should be rotated until the neutral
position is found and then retighten the ¼” allen
bolt. Use care not to over tighten the allen bolt.
Repeat the procedure on the other pump if
necessary.
Changing the Speed/Sensitivity Adjustment
The controls are initially set with the Speed/
Sensitivity Adjustment
in the faster, more
sensitive position. If
an operator is not
completely familiar
with the mower
operation the operator
may desire to
decrease
the ground speed. The
slower setting has a corresponding decrease in the
sensitivity of the controls. In other words, a given
amount of movement of the control levers will cause
about a 25-30% change in the ground speed making
the controls less sensitive. After stopping the engine,
the adjustment is made by removing rod ends from the
current holes in the control system torsion bar and
reinstalling them into the alternate holes. The holes
farthest from the operator position are for the slower,
less sensitive setting and the holes closest to the
operators position are the faster, more 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 (18-22 psi). Drive the mower on a
level parking lot with the engine at full throttle.
Check that the mower drives in a straight line when
both hand controls are held to the full speed position.
If not, park the mower and stop the engine. The
adjustment is made by loosening the jam-nuts on the
control rods (this may need to be done to one or both
control rods) and adjusting the control rods. Once
the jam-nuts are loosened at the top and bottom of
the control rod proceed to turning the control rod
clockwise or counter-clockwise. Shortening the
control rod will increase the speed of the forward
movement of the mower on that side. Lengthening
the control rod will slow the forward movement of the
mower on that side.
In the “faster” Speed/Sensitivity setting (this is the
factory setting) neither rod should be lengthened so
much that at full speed it pulls the pump control lever
(on the sides of the pumps) against the internal
pump stop. 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 pump stop has been contacted.
Then shorten the rod one turn (damage to the hydro
pump will occur if the controls are adjusted in a way
that put direct pressure on the internal pump stop).
You will feel the slight resistance. There is no need
to start the engine while checking this incrementally.
Remember, this procedure does not apply if the
Speed/ Sensitivity Adjustment is in the slower
setting.
If the rod is made shorter it will increase the forward
speed capability for that side of the mower and if the
rod is made longer it will slow down that side of the
mower. So, if the mower is tracking to the left, either
the left side needs to go faster (by shortening the
left-side rod) or the right side needs to go slower (by
lengthening the right-side rod). If the mower is
tracking to the right, either the right side needs to go
faster (by shortening the right-side rod) or the left
side needs to go slower (by lengthening the left-side
rod). It is important that neither rod should be
shortened too far, as mentioned above.
The only reference point to limit the adjustment from
becoming extremely off is the relative position of the
pump stop and the handlebar in the faster
Speed/Sensitivity setting. Therefore, if everything is
way off either because you are installing new parts
(or other reasons) you should only use the faster
Speed/ Sensitivity setting to get the tracking accurate
and then change to the slower speed range and
adjust the tracking only one or two turns on either
side.
After getting the mower to track straight, check
and/or readjust the neutral adjustment on the pump
by using a ¼” allen wrench at the Return-to-Neutral
(RTN) mechanism, if necessary. It is normal to make
these adjustments from time to time.
Front
Slow setting