Mower Deck - Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual

This section contains adjustment, removal, installation,
and maintenance information for the 44-inch mower
deck. Instructions for installation and removal of the
optional mulching plug are located at the end of this
section.
A. DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS
In order to achieve even cutting, the mower deck must
be properly leveled. This leveling procedure will result
in the left and right blades having corresponding
cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch
of each other. Also, the blades will each have a 1/8 to
1/4 inch downward tilt toward the front of the tractor. To
level the mower deck, proceed as follows:
WARNING: Before making any adjust-
ments, place the PTO switch in the "OFF"
position, engage the parking brake, turn
the ignition key to the "OFF" position and
remove the key from the switch. Discon-
nect the spark plug wires for additional
safety. When handling the mower deck,
be careful not to cut yourself on the
sharp blades.
NOTE: Check the tires for proper inflation before
making a leveling adjustment. To level the deck, the
tractor and deck MUST be placed on a hard, level
surface during adjustment.
SIDE-TO-SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT
1. Position the tractor and mower deck on a hard,
level surface.
2. The mower deck front and rear gauge wheels
should be installed in their uppermost position in
the deck brackets to prevent contact with the hard,
level surface below. Refer to GAUGE WHEEL
ADJUSTMENT.
3. Raise the tractor implement lift handle to its
highest setting.
4. Carefully rotate the outer cutting blades so that
they are positioned perpendicular to the tractor
frame (See Figure 28). Then lower the deck to a
mid-height setting using the tractor implement lift
handle.
OUTER BLADES
PERPENDICULAR
Figure 28
SECTION V. MOWER DECK
TO FRAME
5. Referring to Figure 29, measure and record the
distance from the hard, level surface to the outer-
most cutting edge of the right blade. Repeat this
step for the left blade. If the two blade heights are
not within 1/16 inch, note whether the right hand
blade is lower or higher than the left blade, then
proceed to steps 6, 7 and 8. If the two blade
heights are within 1/16 inch, proceed to FRONT
TO BACK LEVELING ADJUSTMENT.
HARD LEVEL
SURFACE
6. Lower the deck to the level surface.
7. Side-to-side leveling is obtained utilizing the
adjustment ferrule and right hand lift link rod (See
Figure 30).
UPPER
JAM NUT
ADJUSTABLE
FERRULE
8. Loosen the upper jam nut on the lift link rod and
turn away from the adjustment ferrule. Turn the
lower lock nut upward (tighten) on the threads of
the rod to raise the right side of the mower deck.
Turn the lock nut down (loosen) on the threads to
lower the right side of the mower deck (Refer to
Figure 30).
33
BLADE
MEASURE
THIS DISTANCE
Figure 29
RIGHT HAND
LIFT LINK ROD
LOWER
LOCK NUT
Figure 30