Service Manual

4 - 6 Service Dealer’s Guide to Great Quality of Cut
Checking and Adjusting the Blade Level
Figure 22 2001-065.TIF
Wheel Does Not Touch Ground
If one of the wheels does not touch the ground on a
level surface, verify that all four spring arms are in the
same notch and that those notches are not worn. Make
any necessary adjustments (for correcting worn
notches, see “Slipping Height of Cut Adjuster” on page
4-5).
If the spring arms are in the same notch and the
notches are not worn, and the wheel that does not
touch the ground is 1/8 inch (3.1mm) or less above the
ground, you can correct the problem by lowering one of
the front wheels. Remove the front wheel that is on the
ground and its pivot arm. Use a round file to elongate
the pivot bolt holes upward (Figure 23).
Figure 23
MVC-718X.JPG
Reinstall the pivot and wheel. When you reinstall the
wheel, use the extra clearance to raise it to the position
of the other front wheel. After reinstalling the wheel and
pivot, verify that the blade is level side-to-side.
Adjusting Side-to-Side Level
If the blade is not level within 1/8 inch (3.1mm) side to
side, the engine will need to be shimmed. Loosen the
engine mounting screws on the low side of the blade.
Slip a washer or other shim material between the
engine and housing (Figure 24). On a 21-inch mower,
use a shim about half as thick as the distance to be
shimmed. For instance, if the blade is off 1/8 inch
(3.1mm), use a 1/16 inch (1.5mm) shim. Re-measure
the blade. If the blade is within 1/8 inch of being level
from side to side, remove the engine mounting screw
and reinstall it through the housing, shim, and engine.
Figure 24
MVC-720X.JPG
Adjusting Front-to-Rear Pitch
Correction of front-to-rear pitch on a walk behind
mower is rarely necessary. If the blade pitch is
significantly out of specification, it is best to replace the
mower housing.
Caution
The aluminum alloy on cast decks files away
quickly. Be careful not to elongate the pivot bolt
hole excessively.
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