Adjusting The Variable Speed Pulley Control Rod; To Adjust A Tractor With Creep - MTD 700 Series Professional Shop Manual

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Adjusting the variable speed pulley control rod

An adjustable rod connects the foot pedal assembly to the variable speed pulley assembly. This adjustment sets
the neutral position of the idler pulley and the top speed of the tractor. Pressing on the drive pedal tensions the belt
between the engine pulley and the variable speed pulley and changes the ground speed of the tractor.
See Figure 5.17.
NOTE: In some cases a customer may complain that the tractor does not seem to be going as fast as it used
to. The cause may be attributed to belt wear and stretching. If that is the case, this would be a good
time to replace the belts.
NOTE: As a general rule, shortening the adjustment rod increases the ground speed of the tractor but doing
so can cause creep.

To adjust a tractor with creep:

1. Confirm the creep yourself by starting the tractor with the parking brake engaged. Place the tractor in forward
gear and slowly release the brake/clutch pedal. keep you foot off the drive pedal. The rider should not creep or
move.
NOTE: If the transmission grinds when going into gear, that is another indicator that the drive belt is moving
and the adjustment rod length needs to be changed.
2. If the rider creeps, turn off the engine, block the wheels of the rider in neutral with the parking brake off.
3. Remove the cutting deck.
4. Confirm that the belts are OEM belts and are in good condition. If not, replace both drive belts as described in
belt section in this chapter.
5. Inspect the link and the double idler pulley system for any obvious signs of damage.
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7.5"
Figure 5.17
Auto-Drive CVT Drive System
The length of the adjustment rod is set at the factory
during assembly. it is nominally set at 7.5" Inches. End of
line testing assures that the tractor will not creep when
stopped in gear and yet still achieves maximum drive
speed. Creep is the primary safety concern and must be
corrected.
Reasons for creep:
• A bent rod due to some sort of collision.
• Improper belt installed on the tractor. A shorter, or
wider, belt may be engaging the drive when
stopped in gear.
• Adjustment rod shortened in a attempt to increase
forward ground speed and inadvertently creating
creep.
The length of the adjustment rod may also need to be
changed when the drive belts are replaced.
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