Operator's Manual

7
6. To tension the belt, tighten the front jam nut on each
adjusting shaft until the springs are compressed to
13 cm (5 inch). Measure the spring compression
between the spacer and the bushing (Fig. 8).
7. Tighten the rear jam nuts (Fig. 8).
m–2541
2
1
4
3
5
Figure 8
1. 12.7 cm (5 inch) between
the spacer and bushing
2. Deck mounting bracket
3. Front jam nut
4. Rear jam nut
5. Carrier frame mounting
tab
8. Check the position of the belt guides. The guides should
be positioned about 3 mm (1/8 inch) away from the belt
(Fig. 9). Adjust the belt guides as necessary.
1
2
m–2556
2
Figure 9
1. Drive belt 2. Belt guide
9. Check the front-to-rear blade pitch. Refer to Setting the
Front-to-Rear Pitch in the Maintenance, page 12.
10. Install the deck cover onto the cutting unit, then install
and tighten the hand knobs.
Operation
Note: Determine the left and right sides of the machine
from the normal operating position.
Side Discharge or Mulch Grass
The mower has a hinged grass deflector that disperses
clippings to the side and down toward the turf.
Danger
Without the grass deflector, discharge cover, or
complete grass catcher assembly mounted in place,
you and others are exposed to blade contact and
thrown debris. Contact with rotating mower
blade(s) and thrown debris will cause injury or
death.
Never remove the grass deflector from the
mower because the grass deflector routes
material down toward the turf. If the grass
deflector is ever damaged, replace it
immediately.
Never put your hands or feet under the mower.
Never try to clear discharge area or mower
blades unless you release the bail and the power
take off (PTO) is off. Rotate the ignition key to
off. Also remove the key and pull the wire off
the spark plug(s).
Engaging the Mower Blades
(PTO)
The blade control switch (PTO) in conjunction with the
blade control bail engages and disengages power to the
electric clutch and mower blades.
1. Pull on the upper control bar to stop the machine
(Fig. 10).
2. To engage the blades, squeeze the blade control bail
against the upper control bar.
3. Pull the blade control knob up. Hold the blade control
bail against the control bar while operating.
Note: Repeat the procedure to engage the mower blades if
the blade control bail is released.
4. To disengage the blades, release the blade control bail.