MTD series 780 Operator's Manual page 22

Service
7
CuttingDeckRemoval
To remove the cutting deck, proceed as follows:
I. 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 belt-keeper rod, from around the tractor's
engine pulley, by removing the self-tapping screw (A) that
secures it. See Figure 7-I.
Note: Make a mental note what hole the other end of the belt-
keeper rod is inserted in for reinstallation purposes.
f
Bow-Tie Pin
46" Deck
42" Deck
Figure 7-2
Figure 7-1
4. Remove the belt (C) from around the tractor's engine
pulleyand idler pulley(s). See Figure 7-1.
5. On 42" Decks: 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 upper half of Figure 7-2. Remove the bow-tie pin that
secures the deck support rod, and carefully remove the
deck support from the deck lift arm.
On 46" Decks: Looking at the cutting deck from the left
side of the tractor, locate the deck release handle. See
lower half of Figure 7-2. Pull the deck release handle and
carefully release the deck from the deck lift arm.
6. Repeat the above steps on the tractor's right side.
7.
8.
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.
On 42" decks: Remove the bow-tie pin securing the deck
stabilizer rod to the deck. Slide the deck lift rod from the
mounting weldment on the deck as seen in Figure 7-3.
On 46" Decks: Remove the bow-tie cotter pin and flat
washer securing the deck stabilizer rod to the deck. Slide
the deck lift rod from the mounting weldment on the deck
as seen in Figure 7-3.
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