Installing Mower (48A and 54A Mowers)

  1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

  2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.

  3. CAUTION: Avoid Injury! 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. MXT014283
    MXT014283-UN-27MAY15

    Slide mower deck under tractor and line up deck bracket (A) with draft arm (B).


  5. Unlock mower lift lock lever.

  6. CAUTION: Avoid Injury! If the lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.

    Lock the lift pedal when installing or removing mower deck.

    Pull lift pedal by hand to lower draft arms. Hold pedal securely and lock mower lift lock lever.

  7. Pull back J-pin (C) and insert through deck bracket and draft arm. Verify pin installs completely through deck bracket. Repeat for other side.

  8. MXT014278
    MXT014278-UN-27MAY15

    Install front draft rod (A) into mower bracket (B).

    If draft rod assembly has been removed from machine:

    1. Install mounting stud (C) into draft bracket (D) at each side. Note orientation of stud offset when installing, correct orientation is for stud to be offset above draft rod.

    2. Secure each side with locking clip (E).

    3. Install draft rod into mower bracket.


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

    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.

    MXT014285
    MXT014285-UN-27MAY15

    Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (A), under left side of fender deck, forward, while installing mower belt (B) on engine sheave (C).


  10. Level mower.

  11. MXT014273
    MXT014273-UN-27MAY15

    Raise deck to cutting height and rotate all mower anti-scalp wheels (A) to operation position:

    • Pull back J-pin, move wheel to proper hole position, and reinsert J-pin to secure wheels in position.


  12. Level deck.

MX52301,0000A96-19-20150615