Replacing The Grass Deflector; Adjusting The Idler Pulley; Adjusting The Cover Latches; Replacing The Drive Belt - Toro 30551 Operator's Manual

Replacing the Grass Deflector

1. Position the machine on a level surface, raise the cutting
unit, engage the parking brake, put the traction pedal in
neutral, the PTO lever in the Off position, shut the
engine off, and remove the ignition key. Block the
cutting unit to prevent it from accidentally falling.
2. Remove the 2 capscrews, locknuts, and springs securing
the deflector mounts to the pivot brackets (Fig. 34).
Figure 34
1. Deflector mounts
2. Pivot brackets
3. To remove the pivot brackets, remove the carriage bolts
and nuts (Fig. 34).
4. Install the pivot brackets on top of the discharge
opening with the carriage bolts and nuts. The head of
the carriage bolts must be on the inside of the cutting
unit.
5. Position the deflector mounts on the pivot brackets and
secure the parts together with the capscrews, locknuts,
and springs. Both locknuts must face each other.
Tighten the locknuts until they are flush against the
deflector pivots.
6. Lift the deflector and allow it to drop to check the
spring tension. The deflector must be held firmly in the
full downward position by the spring tension. Correct it
if necessary.

Adjusting the Idler Pulley

The idler pulley applies force against the belt so that power
can be transmitted to the blade pulleys. If the idler is not
tensioned against the belt with sufficient force, maximum
power will not be transmitted to the pulleys. Tension on the
belt requires 35 to 40 ft.-lb. (47 to 54 N⋅m) of torque on the
1
2
3
3. Pivot springs
24
large nut, which applies force against the belt. If the idler is
not adjusted to these specifications, an adjustment is
necessary.
1. Position the machine on a level surface, lower the
cutting unit, engage the parking brake, put the traction
pedal in neutral, the PTO lever in the Off position, shut
the engine off, and remove the ignition key.
2. Release and unhook the latches securing the center
cover to the top of the cutting unit. Remove the cover
from the cutting unit.
3. Loosen the 2 nuts securing the idler plate in place.
Using a socket and torque wrench, tighten the idler
adjusting nut to 35–40 ft.-lb. (47 to 54 N⋅m) (Fig. 35).
2
3
2
Figure 35
1. Idler plate
2. Nuts (2)
4. Hold the torque against the belt and tighten the 2 nuts so
that the idler plate is held securely in place. Release the
idler adjusting nut. Install the cover and secure the
latches.

Adjusting the Cover Latches

If the cutting unit covers fit loose, the latch tension may be
adjusted by loosening the latch mounting screws and
sliding the latches (slotted mounting holes in the cutting
unit) to the proper position.

Replacing the Drive Belt

The blade drive belt, tensioned by the adjustable idler, is
very durable. However, after many hours of use, the belt
will show signs of wear. Signs of a worn belt are: squealing
when the belt is rotating, blades slipping when cutting
grass, frayed edges, burn marks, and cracks. Replace the
belt if any of these conditions are evident.
1. Position the machine on a level surface, lower the
cutting unit, engage the parking brake, put the traction
pedal in neutral, the PTO lever in the Off position, shut
the engine off, and remove the ignition key.
1
3. Idler adjusting nut