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. CAUTION: Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

    • Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently.
    • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

    Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.

  4. MXAL46026
    MXAL46026-UN-09APR13

    Rotate all mower anti-scalp wheels to allow mower deck to be rolled outward away from machine:

    1. Remove locking pin and pin from anti-scalp wheel shaft.

    2. Rotate mower wheel (A) 90°, as shown. Install locking pin and pin to lock wheel in position.

    3. Repeat for all anti-scalp wheels.


  5. CAUTION: If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.

    Lock the lift pedal when installing or removing mower deck.

    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.

    Lower mower deck.

  6. CAUTION: Component is spring-assisted and under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted component is released suddenly.

    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. MXAL46415
    MXAL46415-UN-05APR13

    Remove separate drive belt (D) from engine sheave (E), and move tension rod back into retaining bracket.


  8. MXAL46416
    MXAL46416-UN-05APR13

    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. MXAL46417
    MXAL46417-UN-05APR13

    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.

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