Installing Mower (42A and 42M 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. MXT014280
    MXT014280-UN-11JUN15

    42A Shown

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


  5. Unlock lift latch handle.

  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 lift latch handle.

  7. Install pin (C) through deck bracket and draft arm. Verify pin installs completely through deck bracket. Install locking clip (D) through pin. 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. Install locking pin (E) into studs on each side.

    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.

    MXT014279
    MXT014279-UN-11JUN15

    42A Shown

    42A Mowers: Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (A), under left side of fender deck, rearward, while installing mower belt (B) onto engine sheave (C).


  10. MXT015368
    MXT015368-UN-27JUL15

    42M Shown

    42M Mowers: Using a 3/8 in. ratchet, rotate and hold tension arm (A), under right side of fender deck, forward, while installing mower belt (B) onto engine sheave (C).


  11. Install shields. (See Removing and Installing Shields in the SERVICE MOWER section.)

  12. Level mower.

MX52301,0000AE1-19-20150727