Craftsman 247.203723 Operator's Manual page 24

Cutting Deck Removal
To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
1. Place the PTO (Blade Engage) lever in the disengaged (OFF) position and
engage the parking brake.
2. Lower the deck by moving the deck lift lever into the bottom notch on the
right fender.
3. Remove the self-tapping screw (A) that secures the belt-keeper rod from
around the tractor's PTO pulley, then remove the belt keeper rod (B). See .
Note: Make a mental note what hole the other end of the belt-keeper rod is
inserted in for reinstallation purposes.
4. Remove the belt (C) from around the tractor's PTO pulley. See Figure 24.
WARNING
Avoid pinching injuries. Never place your fingers on the idler spring or
between the belt and a pulley while removing the belt.
C
5. Looking at the cutting deck from the left side of the tractor, locate the bow-
tie pin that secures the deck support rod on the rear left side of the deck. See
Figure 25. Remove the bow-tie pin that secures the deck support rod, and
carefully remove the deck support from the deck lift arm.
6. Repeat the above steps on the tractor's right side.
NOTE: The bow-tie clips should be re-installed from the top down.
7. Move the deck lift lever into the top notch on the right fender to raise the
deck lift arms up and out of the way.
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
A
B
Figure 24
Bow-Tie Clip
8. Remove the bow-tie cotter pin securing the deck stabilizer rod to the deck.
Slide the deck lift rod from the mounting bracket on the deck as shown in
Figure 26.
9. Carefully remove the PTO cable from the rear of the cutting deck by
removing the bow-tie cotter pin which secures it. Remove the spring from
the deck idler bracket. See Figure 27.
24
Figure 25
Figure 26