Quest®

1. Move the motion control levers outward from the center T-slot position to engage the parking brake.

2. Move the throttle midway between the “SLOW” and “FAST” positions.

   Note: Always engage the blades with the throttle in the midway position.

3. Pull out on the blade control switch, to the “ON” position, to engage the blades.

   

   Figure 11

   1. Throttle–Midway position
   2. Blade control switch—ON position

4. Move throttle to full forward position before mowing.

Set the throttle to the midway position. Push the blade control switch to “OFF” to disengage the blades.

The safety interlock system is designed to prevent the engine from starting unless:

• The blades are disengaged.

• The motion control levers are moved outward to engage the parking brake.

The safety interlock system is designed to initiate engine shutdown when:

• The parking brake is disengaged and the operator gets off machine.

• The PTO is engaged and the operator gets off machine.

Important: It is essential that operator safety mechanisms be connected and in proper operating condition prior to use.

Note: If machine does not pass any of these tests, Do Not operate. Contact an Authorized Service Dealer.

Note: To prevent engine cut-outs on rough terrain, the seat has a 1/2 second time delay before the engine begins to shutdown.

Check the Normal Engine Starting Chart

			System
		Parking Brake	PTO	Operator	Outcome
	State of System	Engaged (Both motion control levers out)	Disengaged (Blades)	In seat or out of the seat	Starter should crank

Check Engine Starting Circuit Chart

Note: In the Check Engine Starting Circuit Chart, the state of system item that is bold is being checked in each scenario.

	System
	Parking Brake	PTO (Blades)	Motion Control Levers	Operator	Outcome
State of System	Engaged (Both motion control levers out)	Disengaged	Either right or left lever moved in	Operator in seat	Starter must not crank

		System
		Parking Brake	PTO	Operator	Outcome
	State of System	Engaged (Both motion control levers out)	Engaged	Operator in seat	Starter must not crank

Check Shutdown Circuit Chart

Note: The state of system item(s) that is bold is being checked in each scenario.

	System
	Engine	Parking Brake	PTO (Blades)	Operator	Outcome
State of System	Running idle (1/3 throttle)	Disengaged (Both motion control levers in)	Disengaged	Raise off of seat (but don’t get off)	Engine must begin shutdown within 1 second
	Running idle (1/3 throttle)	Disengaged (Both motion control levers in)	Engaged	Raise off of seat (but don’t get off)	Engine must begin shutdown within 1 second

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go forward, slowly push the motion control levers forward.

   

   Figure 12

   1. Parking brake (handles out)
   2. Neutral operate position (handles in)
   3. Front of machine
   4. Forward
   5. Neutral (operate)
   6. Reverse

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion control levers Figure 13).

   

   Figure 13

   To turn, pull back on the motion control lever toward the direction you want to turn.

   The farther you move the motion control levers in either direction, the faster the machine will move in that direction.

   To stop, place the motion control levers in the center position (neutral operate) (reference Figure 12).

Note: Always use caution when backing up and turning.

1. Move the levers to the center, unlocked position.

2. To go backward, slowly pull the motion control levers rearward (Figure 14).

   

   Figure 14

   To go straight, apply equal pressure to both motion control levers.

   To turn, release the pressure on the motion control lever toward the direction you want to turn.

   To stop, push the motion control levers to neutral.

The motion control levers can be adjusted higher or lower for maximum operator comfort.

1. Remove the hardware holding the control lever to the control arm shaft (Figure 20).

   

   Figure 20

   1. Control arm shaft
   2. Control lever
   3. Washer
   4. Bolt

2. Move the control lever to the next set of holes. Secure the lever with the hardware.

3. Repeat the adjustment for the opposite control lever.

The motion control levers can be tilted fore or aft for maximum operator comfort.

1. Loosen the upper bolt holding the control lever to the control arm shaft.

2. Loosen the lower bolt just enough to pivot the control lever fore or aft (Figure 20). Tighten both bolts to secure the control in the new position.

3. Repeat the adjustment for the opposite control lever.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Locate the bypass levers on the frame on both sides of the engine.

3. Move the bypass levers forward through the key hole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 22. Ensure this is done for each lever.

4. Turn the ignition key “ON” but Do Not start the engine. Move one motion control lever inward to release the parking brake.

   The machine is now able to be pushed by hand.

   

   Figure 22

   1. Bypass lever location
   2. Lever position for operating the machine
   3. Lever position for pushing the machine

5. When finished, ensure the key has been returned to the “OFF” position to avoid draining the battery charge.

Move the bypass levers rearward through the key hole and down to lock them in place as shown in Figure 22. Ensure this is done for each lever.

Use a heavy-duty trailer or truck to transport the machine. Ensure that the trailer or truck has all necessary lighting and marking as required by law. Thoroughly read all of the safety instructions. Knowing this information could help you, your family, pets, or bystanders avoid injury.

To transport the machine:

• Lock the brake and block the wheels.

• Be sure the fuel shut-off valve is closed.

• Securely fasten the machine to the trailer or truck with straps, chains, cable, or ropes. Only use the designated tie-down locations on the mower as shown in Figure 23. Use these locations even when transporting the mower with an attached accessory. Using non-designated locations may cause damage to the mower and/or attachment.

  

  Figure 23

• Secure a trailer to the towing vehicle with safety chains.

  Warning

  Driving on the street or roadway without turn signals, lights, reflective markings, or a slow moving vehicle emblem is dangerous and can lead to accidents causing personal injury.

  Do not drive machine on a public street or roadway.

Use extreme caution when loading or unloading machines onto a trailer or a truck. Use a full-width ramp that is wider than the machine for this procedure. Back up ramps and drive forward down ramps (Figure 24).

Figure 24

1. Back up ramps
2. Drive forward down ramps

Important: Do not use narrow individual ramps for each side of the machine.

Ensure the ramp is long enough so that the angle with the ground does not exceed 15 degrees (Figure 24). On flat ground, this requires a ramp to be at least four times (4X) as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground. A steeper angle may cause mower components to get caught as the unit moves from the ramp to the trailer or truck. Steeper angles may also cause the machine to tip or lose control. If loading on or near a slope, position the trailer or truck so that it is on the down side of the slope and the ramp extends up the slope. This will minimize the ramp angle.

Figure 25

1. Full-width ramp in stowed position
2. Side view of full-width ramp in loading position
3. Not greater than 15 degrees
4. Ramp is at least four times (4X) as long as the height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
5. H= height of the trailer or truck bed to the ground
6. Trailer

• Do not attach towed equipment except at the hitch point.

• Follow the attachment manufacturer's recommendation for weight limits for towed equipment and towing on slopes. Towed weight must not exceed the weight of the machine, operator, and ballast; otherwise hydrostatic transmission failure may occur. Use counterweights or wheel weights as described in the attachment manufacturer's manual.

• Never allow children or others in or on towed equipment.

• On slopes, the weight of the towed equipment may cause loss of traction, increased risk of rollover, and loss of control. Reduce the towed weight and slow down.

• Stopping distance increases with the weight of the towed load. Travel slowly and allow extra distance to stop.

• Make wide turns to keep the attachment clear of the machine.

Grease Type: NLGI grade #2 multi-purpose gun grease.

Grease the front caster wheels (Figure 26).

Figure 26

1. Front caster tire

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Clean the grease fittings with a rag. Make sure to scrape any paint off of the front of the fitting(s).

3. Wipe up any excess grease.

Note: Operating the engine with loose or damaged air-cleaner components could allow unfiltered air into the engine, causing premature wear and failure.

Removing the Elements:

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Move the motion control levers out to engage parking brake, stop the engine, remove the key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

3. Clean around the air cleaner cover to prevent dirt from getting into the engine and causing damage.

4. Rotate the latches outward.

   

   Figure 41

   1. Latch
   2. Engine
   3. Air-cleaner elements
   4. Air-cleaner base

5. Remove the cover to access the air-cleaner element.

6. Separate the foam and paper elements (Figure 42).

   

   Figure 42

   1. Paper element
   2. Foam element

Cleaning the Foam and Paper Elements:

Foam Element:

1. Wash the foam element with water.

2. Dry the element by squeezing it in a clean cloth.

   Important: Replace the foam element if it is torn or worn.

3. Lightly oil the foam element using new engine oil and squeeze out any excess oil.

Paper Element:

1. Lightly tap the element on a flat surface to remove dust and dirt.

2. Inspect the element for tears, an oily film, and damage to the seal.

   Important: Do not clean the paper element with pressurized air or liquids, such as solvent, gas, or kerosene. Replace the paper element if it is damaged or cannot be cleaned thoroughly.

3. Replace the paper element if it is damaged.

Installing the Air Cleaner

1. Install the foam pre-cleaner element over the paper element.

   Note: Ensure that you do not damage the elements.

2. Install the air cleaner elements onto the air cleaner base.

3. Install the cover and secure it with the retaining clamps (see Figure 41).

Important: Do not overfill the crankcase with oil and run the engine; engine damage may result.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Make sure the engine is stopped, level, and is cool so the oil has had time to drain into the sump.

3. To keep dirt, grass clippings, etc., out of the engine, clean the area around the oil fill cap/dipstick before removing it.

4. Check the engine oil level.

   

   Figure 43

5. If the level is low, wipe off the area around the oil fill cap, remove cap/dipstick and add oil to the “FULL” mark on the dipstick. Exmark 4-Cycle Premium Engine Oil is recommended; refer to the following information for an appropriate API rating and viscosity. Always check the level with the dipstick before adding more oil. Do Not overfill.

   • Crankcase Capacity: 1.9 L (64 oz) with oil filter

   • Recommended Oil Type: Exmark 4-Cycle Premium Engine Oil

     – API service SJ or higher

     

     Figure 44

     Viscosity table

     Note: To prevent extensive engine wear or damage, always maintain the proper oil level in the crankcase. Never operate the engine with the oil level below the “ADD” mark or over the “FULL” mark on the dipstick.

1. Park the machine so that the drain side is slightly lower than the opposite side to ensure the oil drains completely.

2. Start the engine and let it run until warm. This warms the oil so it drains better.

3. Move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

   

   Figure 45

4. Change the engine oil filter. Apply a thin film of clean Exmark 4-Cycle Premium Engine Oil to the rubber gasket on the new filter.

   

   Figure 46

   Note: Ensure the oil filter gasket touches the engine, then an extra 3/4 turn is completed.

   Note: Dispose of the used oil at a recycling center.

5. Slowly pour approximately 80% of the specified oil into the filler tube—use oil recommended in the Checking the Engine Oil Level section.

   

   Figure 47

6. Check the oil level; refer to Checking the Engine Oil Level section.

7. Start the engine and check for leaks.

Ensure that the air gap between the center and side electrodes is correct before installing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench for removing and installing the spark plug and a gapping tool or feeler gauge to check and adjust the air gap. Install a new spark plug if necessary.

Type: Champion^® RN9YC or equivalent

Air Gap: 0.030 inch (.76 mm)

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Disconnect the wire from the spark plug.

   

   Figure 48

   Due to the deep recess around the spark plug, blowing out the cavity with compressed air is usually the most effective method for cleaning. The spark plug is most accessible when the blower housing is removed for cleaning.

1. Install the spark plug. Make sure that the air gap is set correctly.

2. Tighten the spark plug to 15 ft-lb (20 N-m).

   

   Figure 49

3. Push the wire onto the spark plug.

1. Inspect the spark plug

   Note: If you see light brown or gray on the insulator, the engine is operating properly. A black coating on the insulator usually means the air cleaner is dirty.

   Important: Do Not clean the spark plug(s). Always replace the spark plug(s) when it has: a black coating, worn electrodes, an oily film, or cracks.

   

   Figure 50

   1. Center electrode insulator
   2. Side electrode
   3. Air gap (not to scale)

2. Check the gap between the center and side electrodes.

3. Set the gap to 0.030 inch (.76 mm).

Never install a dirty filter if it is removed from the fuel line.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. The fuel filter is in the fuel line between the tank and engine.

3. Squeeze the ends of the hose clamps together and slide them away from the filter.

   

   Figure 51

4. Remove the filter from the fuel lines.

5. Install a new filter with the flow direction arrow coming from the fuel tank and pointing to the engine. Move the hose clamps close to the filter to secure it in place.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key. Wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operator’s position.

2. Raise the seat.

3. Disconnect the negative (black) ground cable from the battery post (Figure 52). Retain all fasteners.

   

   Figure 52

   1. Negative battery post
   2. Bolt, washer, and nut
   3. Terminal boot
   4. Positive battery post
   5. Battery strap
   6. Battery

   Warning

   Incorrect battery cable routing could damage the machine and cables causing sparks. Sparks can cause the battery gasses to explode, resulting in personal injury.

   • Always disconnect the negative (black) battery cable before disconnecting the positive (red) cable.

   • Always connect the positive (red) battery cable before connecting the negative (black) cable.

4. Slide the rubber cover up the positive (red) cable. Disconnect the positive (red) cable from the battery post. Retain all fasteners.

5. Remove the battery strap (Figure 52) and lift the battery from the battery tray.

1. Remove the battery from the chassis; refer to Removing the Battery.

2. Allowing batteries to stand for an extended period without recharging them will result in reduced performance and service life. To preserve optimum battery performance and life, recharge batteries in storage when the open circuit voltage drops to 12.4 volts.

   Note: To prevent damage due to freezing, battery should be fully charged before putting away for winter storage.

3. Check the voltage of the battery with a digital voltmeter. Locate the voltage reading of the battery in the table below and charge the battery for the recommended time interval to bring the charge up to a full charge of 12.6 volts or greater.

   Important: Make sure the negative battery cable is disconnected and the battery charger used for charging the battery has an output of 16 volts and 7 amps or less to avoid damaging the battery (see chart below for recommended charger settings).

   Voltage Reading	Percent Charge	Maximum Charger Settings	Charging Interval
   12.6 or greater	100%	16 volts/7 amps	No Charging Required
   12.4 – 12.6	75–100%	16 volts/7 amps	30 Minutes
   12.2 – 12.4	50–75%	16 volts/7 amps	1 Hour
   12.0–12.2	25–50%	14.4 volts/4 amps	2 Hours
   11.7–12.0	0–25%	14.4 volts/4 amps	3 Hours
   11.7 or less	0%	14.4 volts/2 amps	6 Hours or More

1. Check the weak battery for terminal corrosion (white, green, or blue “snow”), it must be cleaned off prior to jump starting. Clean and tighten connections as necessary.

   Caution

   Corrosion or loose connections can cause unwanted electrical voltage spikes at anytime during the jump starting procedure.

   Do Not attempt to jump start with loose or corroded battery terminals or damage to the engine may occur.

   Danger

   Jump starting a weak battery that is cracked, frozen, has low electrolyte level, or an open/shorted battery cell, can cause an explosion resulting in serious personal injury.

   Do Not jump start a weak battery if these conditions exist.

2. Make sure the booster is a good and fully charged lead acid battery at 12.6 volts or greater. Use properly sized jumper cables (4 to 6 AWG) with short lengths to reduce voltage drop between systems. Make sure the cables are color coded or labeled for the correct polarity.

   Caution

   Connecting the jumper cables incorrectly (wrong polarity) can immediately damage the electrical system.

   Be certain of battery terminal polarity and jumper cable polarity when hooking up batteries.

   Note: The following instructions are adapted from the SAE J1494 Rev. Dec. 2001 – Battery Booster Cables – Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice (SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers).

   Warning

   Batteries contain acid and produce explosive gases.

   • Shield the eyes and face from the batteries at all times.

   • Do Not lean over the batteries.

   Note: Be sure the vent caps are tight and level. Place a damp cloth, if available, over any vent caps on both batteries. Be sure the vehicles do not touch and that both electrical systems are off and at the same rated system voltage. These instructions are for negative ground systems only.

3. Connect the positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery that is wired to the starter or solenoid as shown in .

   

   Figure 53

   1. Positive (+) cable on discharged battery
   2. Positive (+) cable on booster battery
   3. Negative (–) cable on the booster battery
   4. Negative (–) cable on the engine block
   5. Booster battery
   6. Discharged battery
   7. Engine block

4. Connect the other end of the positive cable to the positive terminal of the booster battery.

5. Connect the black negative (–) cable to the other terminal (negative) of the booster battery.

6. MAKE THE FINAL CONNECTION ON THE ENGINE BLOCK OF THE STALLED VEHICLE (NOT TO THE NEGATIVE POST) AWAY FROM THE BATTERY. STAND BACK.

7. Start the vehicle and remove the cables in the reverse order of connection (the engine block (black) connection is the first to disconnect).

1. Position the battery in the tray with the terminal posts toward the operating position (Figure 52).

2. Install the positive (red) battery cable to the positive (+) battery terminal using the fasteners removed previously.

3. Install the negative battery cable to the negative (-) battery terminal using the fasteners removed previously.

4. Slide the red terminal boot onto the positive (red) battery post.

5. Secure the battery with the strap (Figure 52).

Park the machine on a level surface, disengage the blade control switch, and move the motion control levers outward to engage the parking brake. Stop the engine, remove the key, and disconnect the spark plug wire(s) from the spark plug(s).

1. Inspect the cutting edges (Figure 57). If the edges are not sharp or have nicks, remove and sharpen the blades; refer to Sharpening the Blades.

2. Inspect the blades, especially the curved area. If you notice any damage, wear, or a slot forming in this area (item 3 in Figure 57), immediately install a new blade.

   

   Figure 57

   1. Cutting edge
   2. Curved area
   3. Wear/slot forming
   4. Damage

Note: The machine must be on a level surface for the following procedure.

1. Raise the mower deck to the highest height-of-cut position; also considered the 'transport' position.

2. While wearing thickly padded gloves or other adequate hand protection slowly rotate blade to be measure into a position that allows effective measurement of the distance between the cutting edge and the level surface the machine is on.

   

   Figure 58

   1. Deck
   2. Spindle housing
   3. Blade

3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here.

   

   Figure 59

   1. Blade, in position for measuring
   2. Level surface
   3. Measured distance between blade and surface (A)

4. Rotate the same blade 180 degrees so that the opposing cutting edge is now in the same position.

   

   Figure 60

   1. Blade, side previously measured
   2. Measurement position used previously
   3. Opposing side of blade being moved into measurement position

5. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here. The variance should be no more than 1/8 inch (3mm).

   

   Figure 61

   1. Opposing blade edge, in position for measuring
   2. Level surface
   3. Second measured distance between blade and surface (B)

   1. If the difference between A and B is greater than 1/8 inch (3mm) replace the blade with a new blade. Refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

      Note: If a bent blade is replaced with a new one and the dimension obtained continues to exceed 1/8 inch (3mm), the blade spindle could be bent. Contact an Authorized Exmark Dealer for service.

   2. If the variance is within constraints, move to the next blade.

Repeat this procedure on each blade.

1. Place a wrench on the blade bolt and torque to 35-65 ft-lb (47-88 N-m).

2. With the wrench still on the blade bolt, hold the blade spindle stationary and using a rag or thickly padded glove, try to rotate the blade. If the blade rotates relative to the spindle guard without further tightening the blade bolt, the spring disc washer has been flattened or damaged and the bolt and washer assembly must be replaced (Figure 62). Refer to Removing the Blades and Installing the Blades.

3. Once the blade has been removed, inspect the spring disc washer. If the washer appears to be damaged (the washer surface has been marred) or flattened, the bolt and washer assembly must be replaced.

The blades must be replaced if a solid object is hit, if the blade is out of balance, or the blade is bent. To ensure optimum performance and continued safety conformance of the machine, use genuine Exmark replacement blades. Replacement blades made by other manufacturers may result in an unsafe machine.

Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove. Remove the blade bolt, curved washer, and blade from the spindle shaft (Figure 62).

Figure 62

1. Sail area of blade
2. Blade
3. Curved washer
4. Blade bolt

1. Use a file to sharpen the cutting edge at both ends of the blade (Figure 63). Maintain the original angle. The blade retains its balance if the same amount of material is removed from both cutting edges.

   

   Figure 63

   1. Sharpen at original angle

2. Check the balance of the blade by putting it on a blade balancer (Figure 64). If the blade stays in a horizontal position, the blade is balanced and can be used. If the blade is not balanced, file some metal off the end of the sail area only (Figure 64). Repeat this procedure until the blade is balanced.

   

   Figure 64

   1. Blade
   2. Balancer

1. Install the blade onto the spindle shaft (Figure 62).

   Important: The curved part of the blade must be pointing upward toward the inside of the mower to ensure proper cutting.

2. Hold the blade end using a rag or thickly-padded glove (or place a wrench on the top sheave nut). Install the washer with the cupped side towards the blade and blade bolt.

3. Torque the blade bolt to 60-80 ft-lb (81-108 N-m).

   Warning

   Incorrect installation of the blade or components used to retain the blade cause the blade to come loose and could seriously injure or kill you or bystanders.

   Always install the original Exmark blades, washers and blade bolts as shown.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

2. Set the height of cut to 3 inches (76 mm).

3. Carefully rotate the blades so that they are all side to side (Figure 65 and Figure 66).

   

   Figure 65

   Mower Deck with 2 Blades

   1. Blades side to side
   2. Sail area of blade
   3. Outside cutting edges
   4. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here
   

   Figure 66

   Mower Deck with 3 Blades

   1. Blades side to side
   2. Sail area of blade
   3. Outside cutting edges
   4. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here

4. Measure between the outside cutting edges and the flat surface (Figure 65 and Figure 66). If both measurements are not within 3/16 inch (5 mm), an adjustment is required; continue with this procedure.

5. Support the weight of mower deck by placing wood blocks under the edges of the deck.

   • Place two blocks, each having a thickness of 2 5/8 inches (6.6 cm), under each side of the front edge of the deck

   • Place two blocks, each having a thickness of 2 7/8 inches (7.3 cm), under the rear edge of the cutting deck skirt, one on each side of the deck.

   Note: Avoid placing the supports under any anti-scalp rollers if present on the deck.

6. Remove the hairpin cotter and washer from the lower lift-arm pin (Figure 67).

   

   Figure 67

   1. Height of cut plate
   2. Hairpin cotter
   3. Washer

7. Rotate the height of cut plate to a different hole so that it supports the weight of the mower deck after the plate is installed (see Figure 68).

   

   Figure 68

8. Install the washer and hairpin cotter (Figure 68).

9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 for the other side of the machine.

10. Check the side-to-side level again; repeat this procedure until the measurements are correct.

11. Check the side-to-side adjustments again. Repeat this procedure until the measurements are correct.

12. Continue leveling the deck by checking the front-to-rear blade slope; refer to Adjusting the Front-to-Rear Blade Slope section.

Check the front-to-rear blade level any time you install the mower. If the front of the mower is more than 5/16 inch (7.9 mm) lower than the rear of the mower, adjust the blade level using the following instructions:

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

2. Set the height of cut lever to middle position.

   Note: Check and adjust the side-to-side blade level if you have not checked the setting; refer to Side-to-Side Leveling.

3. Carefully rotate the blades so they are facing front to rear (Figure 69 and Figure 70).

   

   Figure 69

   Mower Deck with 2 Blades

   1. Blades front to rear
   2. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here
   

   Figure 70

   Mower Deck with 3 Blades

   1. Blades front to rear
   2. Outside cutting edges
   3. Measure from the tip of the blade to the flat surface here

4. Measure from the tip of the front blade to the flat surface and the tip of the rear blade to the flat surface (Figure 69 and Figure 70). If the front blade tip is not 1/16-5/16 inch (1.6-7.9 mm) lower than the rear blade tip, adjust the front locknut.

5. To adjust the front-to-rear blade slope, rotate the adjustment nut in the front of the mower (Figure 71).

   

   Figure 71

   1. Adjusting rod
   2. Adjusting block
   3. Lock nut

6. To raise the front of the mower, tighten the adjustment nut. To lower the front of the mower, loosen the adjustment nut.

7. After adjustment, check the front-to-rear slope again. Continue adjusting the nut until the front blade tip is 1/16-5/16 inch (1.6-7.9 mm) lower than the rear blade tip (Figure 69 and Figure 70).

8. When the front-to-rear blade slope is correct check the side-to-side level of the mower again; refer to Side-to-Side Leveling.

Check the belts for cracks, frayed edges, burn marks, or any other damage. Replace damaged belts.

Squealing when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting grass, frayed belt edges, burn marks, and cracks are signs of a worn mower belt. Replace the mower belt if any of these conditions are evident.

1. Park machine on level ground, move the motion control levers out to engage the parking brake, disengage the blade control switch, stop engine, and remove key and wait for all moving parts to stop before leaving the operating position.

2. Set the height of cut at the lowest cutting position [1 1/2 inch (38 mm)].

3. Remove the hairpin cotter and push in the tab on the cover to remove the pulley covers.

   

   Figure 76

   1. Cover
   2. Hairpin cotter

4. Using a spring removal tool, (P/N 92-5771), remove the idler spring from the deck hook to remove tension on the idler pulley and roll the belt off of the pulleys.

   

   Figure 77

   1. Idler pulley
   2. Spring
   3. Spring removal tool

   Warning

   The spring is under tension when installed and can cause personal injury.

   Be careful when removing the belt.

5. Route the new belt around the engine pulley and mower pulleys.

6. Using a spring removal tool, (P/N 92-5771), install the idler spring over the deck hook and placing tension on the idler pulley and mower belt.

Engine oil and hydraulic oil are both pollutants to the environment. Dispose of used oil at a certified recycling center or according to your state and local regulations.

Federal law states that batteries should not be placed in the garbage. Management and disposal practices must be within relevant federal, state, or local laws.

If a battery is being replaced or if the unit containing the battery is no longer operating and is being scrapped, take the battery to a local certified recycling center. If no local recycling is available return the battery to any certified battery reseller.