Service Mower
Removing Mower (38 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift pedal is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement.
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NOTE: If the machine is equipped with a lift assist spring, lower the deck and then pull lift pedal back by hand to lock the lift lever.
4. Lower mower deck, pull back lift pedal by hand, and pull lift lever up to lock.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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Picture Note: 38 mower. Bracket on left side.
5. Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (A), under left side of fender deck, rearward (B), while removing mower belt from engine sheave.
6. Remove locking clip (C) and pin (D), and move rear draft arm (E) away from deck bracket (F). Raise deck slightly with deck handle to remove pressure on pin when pulling out. Repeat on other side.
7. Remove front draft rod (G) from machine bracket (H).
8. When operating the machine without the mower deck:
• Remove locking clip (I) from stud (J) on each side, and remove front draft rod from draft bracket (K). Note orientation of stud offset when removing, correct offset is above rod.
9. Raise draft arms to transport position:
a. Pull and hold lift pedal by hand.
d. Pull up latch handle to lock draft arms in transport position.
10. Slide mower out from under the machine.
Removing Mower (42 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.
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NOTE: If the machine is equipped with a lift assist spring, lower the deck and then pull lift pedal back by hand to lock the lift lever.
4. Lower mower deck, pull back lift pedal by hand, and pull lift lever up to lock.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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5. Disconnect mower drive belt:
Picture Note: 42 mower. Lever on left side.
• 42 mower - Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (A), under left side of fender deck, rearward (B), while removing mower belt from engine sheave.
Picture Note: 42 mulch mower. Lever on right side.
• 42 mulch mower- Grasp tension rod (C) securely, and pull and hold tension rod counterclockwise, while removing mower belt from engine sheave.
6. Remove locking clip (D) and pin (E), and move rear draft arm (F) away from deck bracket (G). Raise deck slightly with deck handle to remove pressure on pin when pulling out. Repeat on other side.
7. Remove front draft rod (H) from mower bracket (I).
8. When operating the machine without the mower deck:
• Remove locking clip (J) from stud (K) on each side, and remove front draft rod from draft bracket (L). Note orientation of stud offset when removing, correct offset is above rod.
9. Raise draft arms to transport position:
a. Pull and hold lift pedal by hand.
d. Pull up latch handle to lock draft arms in transport position.
10. Slide mower out from under the machine.
Removing Mower (48 and 54 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
4. Rotate all mower anti-scalp wheels to allow mower deck to be rolled outward away from machine:
a. Remove locking pin and pin from anti-scalp wheel shaft.
b. Rotate mower wheel (A) 90°, as shown. Install locking pin and pin to lock wheel in position.
c. Repeat for all anti-scalp wheels.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.
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NOTE: If a lift assist is installed on your machine, lower deck and then pull lift pedal back by hand to lock the mower lift lock lever.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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6. Grasp and hold tension rod (B) securely. Disengage rod from retaining bracket (C) by rotating rod counterclockwise. Move rod as far as possible toward rear wheel to remove all belt tension.
7. Remove separate drive belt (D) from engine sheave (E), and move tension rod back into retaining bracket.
8. Pull and rotate J-pin (F) to release and move rear draft arm (G) away from deck bracket (H). Raise deck slightly with deck handle to remove pressure on pin when pulling out. Repeat on other side.
9. Remove front draft rod (I) from mower bracket (J).
10. When operating the machine without the mower deck:
• Remove locking clip (K) from stud (L) on each side, and remove front draft rod from draft bracket (M). Note orientation of stud offset when removing, correct offset is above rod.
11. Raise draft arms to transport position.
12. Slide mower out from under the machine.
Installing Mower (38 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
4. Slide mower deck under tractor and line up deck bracket (A) with draft arm (B).
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Lift pedal is spring-assisted and may have unexpected movement.
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6. Pull lift pedal by hand to lower draft arms. Hold pedal securely and lock lift latch handle.
7. Install front draft rod (C) into mower bracket (D).
If draft rod assembly has been removed from machine:
a. Install mounting stud (E) into draft bracket (F) at each side. Note orientation of stud offset when installing, correct orientation is for stud to be offset above draft rod.
b. Secure each side with locking clip (G).
c. Install draft rod into mower bracket.
8. Install pin (H) through deck bracket (A) and draft arm (B). Make sure pin installs completely through deck bracket. Secure pin with locking clip (I). Repeat for other side.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The belt will be damaged if installed wrong. Route the belt properly through belt guides. See belt routing label on mower deck. |
Picture Note: 38 mower. Bracket on left side.
9. Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (J), under left side of fender deck, rearward (K), while installing mower belt onto engine sheave.
Installing Mower (42 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
4. Slide mower deck under tractor and line up deck bracket (A) with draft arm (B).
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.
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6. Pull lift pedal by hand to lower draft arms. Hold pedal securely and lock lift latch handle.
7. Install front draft rod (C) into mower bracket (D).
If draft rod assembly has been removed from machine:
a. Install mounting stud (E) into draft bracket (F) at each side. Note orientation of stud offset when installing, correct orientation is for stud to be offset above draft rod.
b. Secure each side with locking clip (G).
c. Install draft rod into mower bracket.
8. Install pin (H) through deck bracket (A) and draft arm (B). Make sure pin installs completely through deck bracket. Secure pin with locking clip (I). Repeat for other side.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The belt will be damaged if installed wrong. Route the belt properly through belt guides. See belt routing label on mower deck. |
Picture Note: 42 mower. Lever on left side.
• 42 mower - Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (J), under left side of fender deck, rearward (K), while installing mower belt from engine sheave.
Picture Note: 42 mulch mower. Lever on right side.
• 42 mulch mower - Grasp tension rod (L) securely, and pull and hold tension rod counterclockwise, while installing mower belt onto engine sheave.
Installing Mower (48 and 54 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.
4. Slide mower deck under tractor and line up deck bracket (A) with draft arm (B).
5. Unlock mower lift lock lever.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.
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6. Pull lift pedal by hand to lower draft arms. Hold pedal securely and lock mower lift lock lever.
7. Install front draft rod (C) into mower bracket (D).
If draft rod assembly has been removed from machine:
a. Install mounting stud (E) into draft bracket (F) at each side. Note orientation of stud offset when installing, correct orientation is for stud to be offset above draft rod.
b. Secure each side with locking clip (G).
c. Install draft rod into mower bracket.
8. Pull back J-pin (H) and insert through deck bracket (A) and draft arm (B). Make sure pin installs completely through deck bracket. Repeat for other side.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The belt will be damaged if installed wrong. Route the belt properly through belt guides. See belt routing label on mower deck. |
9. Grasp and hold tension rod (I) securely. Disengage rod from retaining bracket (J) by rotating rod counterclockwise. Move rod as far as possible toward rear wheel. Install separate drive belt (K) onto mower deck and engine sheave (L), and move tension rod back into retaining bracket.
11. Raise the deck to cutting height and rotate all mower anti-scalp wheels (M) to operation position:
• Remove locking clip (N) and pin, and move wheel to proper hole position. Install pin and locking clip to secure wheels in position.
Adjusting Lift Assist Spring (If equipped)
NOTE: Weight of mower or attachment affects ease of lifting. Adjust lift assist spring for your particular mower deck model.
1. Make sure yellow indicator (A) is aligned with proper mark for mower deck model installed. If not, adjust lift assist spring so indicator is aligned with correct mower deck mark.
2. Turn adjusting bolt (B) at front of machine frame to adjust lift assist spring:
• Clockwise - Increases spring tension and moves indicator toward front of machine for heavier mowers.
• Counterclockwise - Decreases spring tension and moves indicator toward rear of machine for lighter mowers.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (38 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
• Remove three bolts and belt shield (A).
• Loosen hardware for two sheaves (B) to remove belt from belt guides (C).
• Loosen hardware for belt guide (D).
5. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
6. Clean top surface of mower deck and sheaves.
7. Install belt on mower deck as shown. Make sure belt is in the groove of each sheave and inside belt guide (D).
9. Be sure belt guides (C) are in the rounded groove of deck bracket (E) and tensioning bracket (F). Tighten sheave hardware to 54 N•m (40 lb-ft).
11. Before installing deck, make sure tension spring (G) is installed. Rotate tension arm (H) clockwise and install spring onto bottom square hole in tension arm.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (42 Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
• Remove two bolts and belt shield (A).
• Loosen hardware for two sheaves (B) to remove belt from belt guides (C).
• Remove two bolts for belt guide (D).
5. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
6. Clean top surface of mower deck and sheaves.
7. Install belt on mower deck as shown. Make sure belt is in the groove of each sheave, and on the inside of the guides at sheaves (B).
8. Install belt guide (D) and secure with two bolts.
9. Be sure belt guides (C) are in the rounded groove of deck bracket (E) and tensioning bracket (F). Tighten sheave hardware to 54 N•m (40 lb-ft).
10. Tighten sheave hardware to 54 N•m (40 lb-ft).
12. Before installing deck, make sure tension spring (G) is installed. Rotate tension arm (H) clockwise and install spring onto bottom square hole in tension arm.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (42 Mulch Mower)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
• Remove one bolt (A) and slide belt shield (B) outward and off of two slotted holes (C) on top of mower deck.
• Loosen hardware for five sheaves (D).
• Remove two bolts (E) and belt guide (F).
5. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
6. Clean top surface of mower deck and sheaves.
7. Install belt on mower deck as shown. Make sure belt is in the groove of each sheave, there is no twist in the belt, and the belt is inside belt guides.
8. Install and secure belt guide (F) with two bolts (E).
9. Tighten sheave hardware to 54 N•m (40 lb-ft).
10. Install belt shield, making sure shield is secured onto two slotted holes on top of mower deck. Secure with bolt.
Replacing Mower Drive Belt (48 and 54 Mower)
Replacing Primary Belt
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.
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• Grasp and hold tension rod (A) securely.
• Disengage rod from retaining bracket (B) by rotating rod counterclockwise.
• Move rod as far as possible toward rear wheel to remove all belt tension.
5. Remove primary mower drive belt (C) from engine sheave (D), and move tension rod back into retaining bracket.
6. Clean belt with a clean cloth.
7. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
8. Install belt on mower sheave and engine sheave.
9. Pivot drive belt tension rod toward front of machine to tighten drive belt. Hook tension rod into bracket on mower.
Replacing Secondary Belt
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in SAFETY section.)
2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.
• Remove one cap screw on each belt shield (A), and slide belt shields outward to remove tabs on belt shields from slotted holes (B) in mower deck.
• Remove bolt and belt guide (C).
• Remove small spring locking pin (D), and remove tension rod (E) from tension handle bracket (F).
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Components are installed under spring tension. Wear eye protection and use proper tools when installing and removing components with spring tension.
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• To remove belt, rotate tension arm (G) slightly counter clockwise, and remove belt from sheaves.
5. Inspect belt for wear or damage; replace as necessary.
6. Clean top surface of mower deck and sheaves.
7. Install belt on mower deck as shown. Make sure belt is under tension rod (E), and in the groove of each sheave. If necessary, rotate tension arm (G) slightly to place belt onto the last sheave.
8. Install and tighten belt guide (C).
9. Install tension rod (E) onto tension handle bracket (F), and secure with small spring locking pin (D).
10. Install belt shields onto slotted holes on mower deck and slide each shield towards center of deck. Secure each shield with one cap screw.
Checking for Bent Mower Blades
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling blades or working near blades.
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1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Raise mower deck to highest position to access blades.
Picture Note: Mower deck with side discharge used for illustration
3. Measure distance (A) between blade tip and flat ground surface.
4. Rotate blade 180° and measure distance between other blade tip and flat ground surface.
5. Install new blade if the difference between the two measurements is more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
Servicing Mower Blades
Removing Mower Blades
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)
2. Raise mower deck to gain access to mower blades. If necessary, remove mower deck.
3. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent it from spinning.
• Loosen and remove nut (A), washer (B), and blade (C).
• Loosen and remove bolt (D), washer (E), and blade (F).
5. Inspect blades; sharpen, balance or replace blades as necessary.
Installing Mower Blades
38 and 42 Mowers
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! On 42 mulching mower, blades are marked right and left on bottom side of each blade. Make sure to install correct blade to right and left sides of deck. |
1. Align the splined center hole in the blade (C) with the splined spindle shaft (G) and put the blade onto the mower spindle shaft with cutting edge toward ground.
2. Install washer (B), with cupped side towards blade, and install nut (A) to secure blade onto splined spindle shaft
3. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent spinning and tighten nut to 68 N•m (50 lb-ft).
48 and 54 Mowers
1. Make sure deflector cup (H) is seated properly between mower spindle and blade.
2. Position mower blade (F) with cutting edge toward ground onto mower spindle.
3. Install washer (E), with cupped side towards blade, and install bolt (D) to secure blade onto spindle shaft.
4. Block mower blade with a piece of wood to prevent spinning and tighten bolt to 68 N•m (50 lb-ft).
Sharpening Blades
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling blades or working near blades.
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• Sharpen blades with grinder, hand file, or electric blade sharpener.
• Keep original bevel (A) when grinding.
• Blade should have 0.40 mm (1/64 in.) cutting edge (B) or less.
• Balance blades before installing.
Balancing Blades
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c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Blades are sharp. Always wear gloves when handling blades or working near blades.
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2. Put blade on nail in a vise. Turn blade to horizontal position.
3. Check balance. If blade is not balanced, heavy end of blade will drop.