Cub Cadet GT 2544 Operator's Manual page 40

16. While holding the belt in position, rotate and
engage the deck idler arm lever into its stop
bracket to provide tension on the PTO belt (See
Figure 52).
Figure 52
17. Connect the spark plug wires if disconnected and
close the tractor hood.
C. MAINTENANCE
CLEANING THE MOWER DECK
Use the Deck Wash System as follows:
WARNING: When using the deck wash
system, never engage the deck from any
position other than the operator's seat of
the tractor. Do not use an assistant or
engage deck in the presence of any
bystanders.
• Attach the nozzle adapter to a standard garden
hose connected to a water supply.
• Move the tractor to an area within reach of the
hose where the dispersal of wet grass clippings is
not objectionable to you. Disengage the PTO,
engage the parking brake, and stop the engine.
• Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter and
push the adapter onto the deck wash nozzle at
the left end of the mower deck. Release the lock
collar to lock the adapter on the nozzle. See
Figure 53.
Nozzle
Adapter
Adapter
Lock Collar
Deck Wash
Nozzle
Figure 53
LEVER STOP
BRACKET
IDLER ARM
LEVER
Pull Lock
Collar Back
• Turn on the water supply.
• From the tractor operator's seat, start the engine
and engage the PTO. Allow to run as needed.
Disengage the PTO and stop the engine.
• Turn off the water supply.
• Pull back the lock collar of the nozzle adapter to
disconnect the adapter from the nozzle.
• Repeat the previous steps to clean the deck
using the nozzle at the other end of the deck.
Periodically remove the belt covers and remove any
accumulated grass clippings from around the spindle
pulleys and the deck belt.
BLADE CARE
WARNING: Before performing any main-
tenance, 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 to avoid accidental starting and
injury. When servicing the mower deck,
be careful not to cut yourself on the
sharpened blades.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times.
IMPORTANT: Sharpen the cutting edges of the blades
evenly so that the blades remain balanced and the
same angle of sharpness is maintained.
If the cutting edge of a blade has already been sharp-
ened many times, or if any metal separation is present,
it is recommended that new blades be installed. New
blades are available at your authorized dealer.
When removing the blades, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench to
hold the hex head of the spindle bolt when loosening
the hex nut securing the blade. A block of wood may
be placed between the deck housing and the cutting
edge of the blade to help in breaking loose the hex nut
securing the blade (Refer to Figure 54).
HEX NUT
1-1/8" WRENCH
40
WOOD BLOCK
IN POSITION
Figure 54