Steering Adjustments - MTD 660 Operator's Manual

• Remove the shift cover panel and locate the speed
control rod. See Figure 18.
NOTE:
There is a small yellow wire connected to a
spring switch on the underside of the shift cover panel.
Be careful not to damage it when removing the panel.
Ferrule and
Hairpin Clip
Speed Control Rod
Figure 18
• Remove the hairpin clip which secures the speed
control rod's ferrule to the speed bracket. See
Figure 18.
At the factory, the speed control rod is adjusted so that
5/8-in. of the rod is exposed beyond the ferrule.
• Adjust the speed control by threading the ferrule
inward so that no more than 3/4-in. of the rod is
exposed beyond the ferrule. See Figure 19.
NOTE:
Figure is NOT to scale
Figure 19
• Reinsert the ferrule and re-secure the rod with the
cotter pin removed earlier.
• Reassemble the shift cover panel, start the tractor's
engine and test the full range of speeds.
If the above adjustment did not result in
IMPORTANT:
the tractor obtaining the full range of speeds, see an
authorized MTD service dealer to have the variable
speed drive system inspected and professionally
adjusted.

Steering Adjustments

Drag Link Adjustment (All Tractors Model)
If the tractor turns tighter in one direction than the other,
or if either the drag link and ball joint are being replaced
due to damage or wear, the drag link may need to be
adjusted. To do so, proceed as follows:
• Place the steering wheel in position for straight-
ahead travel.
• Remove the lock nut which secures the ball joint to
the steering arm. See Figure 20.
Drag Link
Jam Nut
• Lift the ball joint out of the steering arm and re-
position both front tires for straight-ahead travel.
• Loosen the jam nut (See Figure 20) and thread the
ball joint either inward or outward until it aligns with
the hole in the steering arm.
• Confirm that both the steering wheel and the front
tires are still positioned for straight-ahead travel
before reinserting the ball joint into the steering arm
and securing it with the lock nut removed earlier.
• Re-tighten the jam nut loosened earlier.
Tie Rod Adjustment (Models With Adjustable Tie Rod)
If the tractor appears to be difficult to drive in a straight-
ahead direction, or if either the tie rod or tie rod ferrule
are being replaced due to damage or wear, the tie rod
may need to be adjusted to correct the tractor's "toe-in."
To do so, proceed as follows:
NOTE:
A replacement cotter pin (part no. 714-0470)
is needed to complete this adjustment. Have one on
hand before proceeding.
19
Ball Joint
Steering Arm
Lock Nut
Figure 20