Mower Deck - Cub Cadet 2186 Operator's Manual

This section contains adjustment, removal, installation,
and maintenance information for the 44-inch mower
deck. Instructions for installation and removal of the
optional mulching plug are located at the end of this
section.
A. INSTALLING LIFT ASSIST SPRING
NOTE
The following step 1 applies only if the lift assist
spring has been factory installed. If the spring
was not installed, proceed to step 2.
1. If RH Lift Assist Spring Is Factory Installed.
From beneath the right rear fender, push the lift
assist rod down and outward to release from the
frame. Disengage the hook of the lift assist spring
from the pigtail hook (See Figure 28).
Figure 28
2. If RH Lift Assist Spring Is Not Installed.
• From underneath the fender on the right/rear side
of the tractor frame, remove the internal cotter pin
from the forward end of the rod. Refer to Figure 28.
• Slide the larger hook of the lift assist spring onto
the forward end of the rod, and reinstall the internal
cotter pin to capture the spring hook between the
flange of the rod and the pin. Refer to Figure 28.
3. Install the lower hook of the lift assist spring into
the hole in the right rear deck bracket (See Figure
29).
SECTION V. MOWER DECK
INTERNAL
COTTER PIN
ASSIST
SPRING
PIGTAIL
LIFT ASSIST
HOOK
ROD
LIFT ASSIST
SPRING
4. Tension the spring by pushing downward and then
inward on the rear of the lift assist rod, so that the
flange at the rearward end of the rod is inside the
tractor frame (See Figure 30).
LIFT
B. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS
In order to achieve even cutting, the mower deck must
be properly leveled. This leveling procedure will result
in the left and right blades having corresponding front
cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch
of each other. Also, the blades will each have a 1/8 to
1/4 inch downward tilt toward the front of the tractor. To
level the mower deck, proceed as follows:
Before making any adjustments, place the PTO
switch in the "OFF" position, engage the brake
pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the "OFF"
position, and remove the key from the switch.
Disconnect the spark plug wires for additional
safety. When handling the mower deck, be
careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades.
33
HOLE IN REAR HOLE IN REAR
DECK DECK
Figure 29
LIFT ASSIST
ROD
Figure 30
WARNING
BRACKET BRACKET
LIFT
ASSIST
SPRING