Cub Cadet 2186 Operator's Manual page 35

3. Initially adjust the
approximately 5/8 inch of thread to protrude
beyond both lock nuts of the front lift rod/bracket
assembly (Refer to Figure 35).
Figure 35
4. Refer to Figure 36. Measure and record the
distance from the front cutting edge to the ground
(measurement A), and from the rear cutting edge
to the ground (measurement B), for each of the
blades. The front
(measurement A) should be lower than its back
edge (measurement B) by 1/8 to 1/4 inch.
REAR
CUTTING
EDGE
B
Figure 36
5. Lower the deck onto the hard, level surface.
6. To adjust the downward tilt of the blades,
adjustment of the front lift rod is required. Refer to
Figure 35 and proceed as follows:
7. Loosen the rear jam nuts on the front lift rod. From
the front of the tractor, evenly turn the front lock nuts
clockwise to raise the front of the mower deck, or
counterclockwise to lower the front of the mower
deck.
8. Raise the deck to the highest position. Recheck
the blade measurements described in step 4. If the
resultant measurements are not correct, repeat
steps 5, 6 and 7 until the proper measurements are
obtained.
front lift rod to allow
FRONT LIFT
ROD BRACKET
LOCK NUT
5/8"
JAM NUT
FRONT
LIFT ROD
edge of each blade
CUTTING BLADE
FRONT
CUTTING
EDGE
A
The front lift rod must be against the front of
both slots in the deck front roller bracket. If one
side of the rod is not against the front of the slot
after attaining the correct front pitch to the deck,
tighten the front lock nut on that side until the
rod just contacts the front of the slot.
9. Tighten the rear jam nuts after adjustment is
completed.
10. Connect the spark plug wires if previously
disconnected.
GAUGE WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
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.
Gauge wheel adjustment should be performed
only AFTER the mower deck has been properly
leveled.
Gauge wheels are intended to prevent scalping
of the lawn, and are not meant to be used to set
the cutting height. Do not run the deck on the
gauge wheels.
To adjust the height of the gauge wheels, place the
tractor on a firm and level surface. Refer to Figure 37,
and proceed as follows:
1. Place the tractor implement lift handle in the
normally desired mowing height setting, then
check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive
clearance with the surface below.
2. If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:
a. Raise the implement lift handle to its highest
setting.
b. Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing
the lock nuts, shoulder screws, and flat
35
NOTE
WARNING
NOTE
NOTE