MTD 618 Operator's Manual page 18

42-inch Decks
To operate the cutting deck without mulching, on
models so equipped, simply remove the mulch plug by
unthreading the plastic wing nut which fastens it to the
cutting deck. This will allow the clippings to discharge
out the side. See Figure 14.
Carriage Screw
Plastic Wing Nut
Figure 14
SECTION 6: MAKING ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING:
adjustments while the engine is running,
except where specified in the operator's
manual.
WARNING:
wire(s) and ground against the engine before
performing any adjustments, repairs or
maintenance.
Leveling the Deck
NOTE:
Check the tractor's tire pressure before
performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires on page 22 for information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer
bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to rear.
The front of the deck should be between 1/4-inch and
3/8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if
necessary as follows:
• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface,
place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest
position) and rotate the blade nearest the discharge
chute so that it is parallel with the tractor.
Mulch Plug
Never attempt to make any
Disconnect the spark plug
46-inch Decks
On models so equipped, the mulch kit is packed
separately within the tractor's crate. Observe the
instructions included with the mulch kit for the best
results when mulching.
Operating The Headlights
To turn the tractor's headlights on:
• Start the engine following the instructions earlier in
this section.
• Turn the key one notch counterclockwise into the
On/Lights position of the ignition switch. Refer to
Figure 9.
To turn the tractor's headlights off:
• Turn the key either into the On position (to leave the
engine running) or the Off position (to shut the
engine off). Refer to Figure 9.
NOTE:
Never move the key into the Start position
while the engine is running. Doing so may cause
damage to your engine's electric starter.
• Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip
to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the
ground.
• The first measurement taken should be between
1/4" and 3/8" less than the second measurement.
• Determine the approximate distance necessary for
proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the
next step.
• Loosen the two jam nuts on the rear side of the
deck stabilizer bracket. See Figure 15A.
• Locate the two lock nuts on the opposite side of the
stabilizer bracket. See Figure 15A. Tighten the lock
nuts to raise the front of the deck; loosen the lock
nuts to lower the front of the deck.
• Retighten the two jam nuts loosened earlier when
proper adjustment is achieved.
Side to Side
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a
side to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if
necessary as follows:
• With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface,
place the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest
position) and rotate both blades so that they are
perpendicular with the tractor.
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