Craftsman 107.28791 Operator's Manual page 16

MOWER DECK REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Perform mower removal and installation on a
hard, level surface such as a concrete floor.
WARNING
After lowering the mower cutting height, engage
parking brake, turn off the mower blades, turn the
ignition switch to STOP, and remove key before
attempting to install or remove the mower.
Removing the Mower Deck
1. Turn the mower blades OFF, put the ground speed
control levers in START/PARK position, turn the
ignition OFF, and wait for all moving parts to stop.
2. Pivot the front wheels forward.
3. Use the mower belt release lever (D, Figure 11) to
release belt tension. Remove the mower belt from
engine pulley (A).
4. Turn the ignition switch from OFF to RUN without
starting the engine.
5. Use the mower cutting height switch to raise the
mower deck.
6. Place 4x4 wood blocks (D, Figure 10) under the front
and rear lip of the mower deck to securely support it.
7. Use the mower cutting height switch to fully lower the
mower so that is it resting on the 4x4 wood blocks.
8. Turn the ignition switch to OFF and remove the key.
9. Remove the hair pin clip (A) securing the rear mower
lift arm. Separate the lift arm from the mower deck.
Repeat on both sides of the mower.
10. Remove the 3/8-16 x 3/4 carriage bolt and flange nut
(B) securing the hitch rod retainer. Remove the
retainer and hitch rod (C).
11. Slide the mower deck out from under the rider.
Installing the Mower Deck
1. Slide the mower deck under the right side of the rider.
Slide the mower forward and hook the front hitch rod
(D, Figure 10) to the front mower deck hooks.
2. Install the hitch retainer bracket (B) and secure with
two 3/8-16 x 3/4 carriage bolts and flange nuts (C).
3. Slide the mower deck backwards and connect the
rear lift arms to the mower deck. Secure with hair pin
clips (A).
4. Insert the key into the ignition switch. Turn the switch
from OFF to RUN without starting the engine.
5. Use the cutting height switch to raise the mower until
it is no longer resting on the 4x4 wood blocks (E).
6. Turn the ignition switch OFF and remove the key.
Remove the 4x4 blocks (E).
7. Use the mower belt release lever to release mower
belt tension, and install the belt as shown in Figure
11.
A
Figure 10. Mower Hitch Components
A. Hair Pin Clip
B. 3/8-16 x 3/4 Carriage Bolt & Flange Nut
C. Hitch Rod
D. 4x4 Wood Blocks
F
Figure 11. Mower Belt Routing
A. Engine Pulley
B. Mower Drive Belt
C. Back-Side Idler Pulley
D. V-Idler Pulley
E. Mower Belt Release Lever
F. Mower Drive Pulley
16
B
C
D
A
B
C
D
E