Cutting Deck Removal
To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
1.  Place the PTO/Blade Engage knob in the disengaged (OFF) 
position and engage the parking brake.
2.  Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the 
bottom notch on the right fender.
3.  Locate the PTO clutch under the front of your tractor. See 
Fig. 7-1.
4.  Remove the belt guard and belt as follows Refer to Fig. 7-1:
a.  Remove the hex screws.
b.  Pull the belt keeper rod to the right and down to 
remove.
c.  Remove the deck belt from around the tractor’s 
electric PTO clutch. 
NOTE: If there is too much tension on the belt for it to be easily 
removed from the electric PTO clutch, carefully insert a ⁄” drive 
ratchet wrench (set to tighten) into the square hole found in the 
left-hand deck idler bracket and pivot it toward the tractor’s right 
side to relieve tension on the belt. See Fig. 7-2.
WARNING! Avoid pinching injuries. Never place 
your fingers on the idler spring or between the belt 
and a pulley while removing the belt.
5.  Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, 
locate the deck support pin on the rear left side of the deck.
6.  Pull the deck support pin outward to release the deck from 
the deck lift arm. See Fig. 7-3.
7.  Repeat the above steps on the tractor’s right side.
8.  Move the deck lift lever into the top notch to raise the deck 
lift arms up and out of the way.
9.  Remove the bowtie cotter pin connecting the deck sway 
rod to the tractor frame. See Fig. 7-4.
10.  Remove the cotter pin from the end of the stabilizer rod 
and slide the stabilizer out of the hanger bracket on the 
deck. See Fig. 7-5.
11.  Gently slide the cutting deck (from the right side) out from 
underneath the tractor.
12.  Reinstall the belt keeper rod loosened earlier.
Figure 7-1
Insert Ratchet
Here
Deck Idler
Bracket
Figure 7-2
Deck Lift Arm
Deck Support 
Pin
Figure 7-3
Service
7
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