• Lift the ball joint out of the steering arm and re-
position both front tires for straight-ahead travel.
• Loosen the jam nut (See Figure 19) and thread the
ball joint either inward or outward until it aligns with
the hole in the steering arm.
• Confirm that both the steering wheel and the front
tires are still positioned for straight-ahead travel
before reinserting the ball joint into the steering arm
and securing it with the lock nut removed earlier.
• Re-tighten the jam nut loosened earlier.
Tie RodAdjustment(ModelsWith AdjustableTie Rod)
If the tractor appears to be difficult to drive in a straight-
ahead direction, or if either the tie rod or tie rod ferrule
are being replaced due to damage or wear, the tie rod
may need to be adjusted to correct the tractor's "toe-in."
To do so, proceed as follows:
NOTE: A replacement cotter pin (part no. 714-0470)
is needed to complete this adjustment. Have one on
hand before proceeding.
• Perform the DragLink Adjustment.See page 18.
• Place the steering wheel in position for straight-
ahead travel.
• In front of the pivot bar, measure the distance
horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the
inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• Behind the pivot bar, measure the distance
horizontally from the inside of the left rim to the
inside of the right rim. Note the distance.
• The measurement taken in front of the pivot bar
should be between 1/16" and 5/16" less than the
measurement taken behind the pivot bar. If it is not,
an adjustment is necessary. Proceed as follows.
• Locate the ferrule at the right end of the tie rod, just
to the rear of the right, front tire of tractor. See
Figure 20.
• Remove the cotter pin and fiat washer which
secures the adjustment ferrule to the tractors right
axle.
• Two turns at a time, thread the adjustment ferrule
toward the right, front tire to lengthen the tie rod. Or,
thread the adjustment ferrule away from the right,
front tire to shorten the tie rod.
0 _oo o
l Ferrule
Tie Rod
Right Axle
Figure 20
Flat Washe
Pin
NOTE: Lengthening the tie rod increases the tractor's
front tie toe-in. Shortening the tie rod decreases the
tractor's front tire toe-in.
• Reinsert the adjustment ferrule and temporarily
secure it with the cotter pin removed earlier.
• Make certain the steering wheel is in position for
straight-ahead travel before again taking
measurements. Continue to repeat the steps above
until a proper adjustment is achieved.
• Secure the tie rod to the right axle with the fiat
washer removed earlier and a replacement cotter
pin.
IMPORTANT:Do NOT reuse the original cotter pin once
it has been removed.
NeutralAdjustment
If your tractor's speed control lever does NOT return to
the N (neutral) position when fully depressing the brake
pedal, see an authorized MTD service dealer to have
the drive system inspected and professionally adjusted.
SECTION7: MAINTAININGYOURLAWNTRACTOR
WARNING: Before performing any
maintenance or repairs, place the PTO (blade
engage) lever in the BLADES STOP position,
move speed control lever into neutral position,
set parking brake, stop engine and remove
key to prevent unintended starting.
Engine
Refer to the Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner
Manual (or Tecumseh engine's Owner's Manual)
for engine maintenance instructions.
Check engine oil level before each use as instructed in
the Briggs & Stratton Operator/Owner Manual (or
Tecumseh engine's Owner's Manual).
19
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