Cub Cadet 2518-44 - Manual (Page 35)

35
3. Initially adjust the front lift rod to allow
approximately 3/4 inch of thread to protrude
beyond both lock nuts of the front lift rod/bracket
assembly (See Figure 35).
Figure 35
4. Refer to Figure 36. Measure and record the
distance from the front cutting edge to the ground
(measurement A), and from the rear cutting edge
to the ground (measurement B), for the two outer
blades. The front edge measurement (A) of each
blade should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch lower than its back
edge measurement (B). If the measurements are
not within this range, adjustment of the front lift rod
is required.
Figure 36
5. Lower the deck onto the level surface.
6. Referring to Figure 35, loosen the rear jam nuts on
the front lift rod. From the front of the tractor,
evenly turn the front lock nuts clockwise to raise
the front of the mower deck, or counterclockwise to
lower the front of the mower deck.
7. Raise the deck off the level surface. Recheck the
blade measurements described in step 4. If the
resultant measurements are not within the
specified range, repeat steps 5, 6 and 7 until the
proper measurements are obtained.
NOTE
The front lift rod must be against the front of
both slots in the deck front roller bracket. If one
side of the rod is not against the front of the slot
after attaining the correct front pitch to the deck,
tighten the front lock nut on that side until the
rod just contacts the front of the slot.
8. Tighten the rear jam nuts after adjustment is
completed.
9. Connect the spark plug wires if previously
disconnected.
GAUGE WHEEL ADJUSTMENT
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, place the PTO
switch in the “OFF” position, engage the brake
pedal lock, turn the ignition key to the “OFF”
position, and remove the key from the switch.
Disconnect the spark plug wires for additional
safety. When handling the mower deck, be
careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades.
NOTE
Gauge wheel adjustment should be performed
only AFTER the mower deck has been properly
leveled.
NOTE
Gauge wheels are intended to prevent scalping
of the lawn, and are not meant to be used to set
the cutting height. Do not run the deck on the
gauge wheels.
To adjust the height of the gauge wheels, place the
tractor on a firm and level surface. Refer to Figure 37,
and proceed as follows:
1. Place the tractor implement lift handle in the
normally desired mowing height setting, then
check the gauge wheels for contact or excessive
clearance with the surface below.
2. If the wheels contact the surface adjust as follows:
a. Raise the deck off the surface using the
tractor’s implement lift handle.
b. Remove the rear gauge wheels by removing
the lock nuts, shoulder screws, and flat
FRONT
LIFT ROD
JAM NUT
LOCK NUT
FRONT LIFT
ROD BRACKET
3/4"
B A
FRONT
CUTTING
EDGE
REAR
CUTTING
EDGE
CUTTING BLADE