Operator’s Manual

48" and 54" MOWER DECKS

For Series 3000 Tractors

INSTALLATION AND
MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Model Numbers
289
295
IMPORTANT:
READ SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
CUB CADET LLC P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019 [www.cubcadet.com]
PRINTED IN U.S.A. FORM NO. 770-0840E
ECO 07602 (11/03)
 CONTENTS
Section Page

Safe Operation Practices ........................................................................................................ 2

To The Owner ......................................................................................................................... 5
I Tractor and Deck Preparation ................................................................................................ 6
II Installation and Removal of Deck Assembly ........................................................................... 8
III Adjustments ............................................................................................................................. 12
IV Maintenance ............................................................................................................................ 15
Lubrication Guide .................................................................................................................... 18
Product Graphics ..................................................................................................................... 19
Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 20

WARNING
The engine exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components of the tractor, to which this
mower deck is attached, contain or emit chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth
defects or other reproductive harm.

WARNING
The units which use this mower deck attachment are equipped with an internal combustion engine and should
not be used on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush-covered, or grass-covered land unless the
engine’s exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester meeting applicable local or state laws (if any). If a
spark arrester is used, it should be maintained in effective working order by the operator.
In the State of California, the above is required by law (Section 4442 of the California Public Resources Code).
Other States may have similar laws. Federal laws apply to federal lands. A spark arrester muffler is available
at your nearest engine authorized service center.

IMPORTANT SAFE OPERATION PRACTICES

THIS SYMBOL POINTS OUT IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS WHICH, IF NOT FOLLOWED,
COULD ENDANGER THE PERSONAL SAFETY AND/OR PROPERTY OF YOURSELF AND
OTHERS. READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL BEFORE ATTEMPTING
TO OPERATE YOUR UNIT. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT
IN PERSONAL INJURY. WHEN YOU SEE THIS SYMBOL— HEED ITS WARNING.

Your lawn mower was built to be operated according to the rules for safe operation
in this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the
DANGER part of the operator can result in injury. This lawn mower is capable of amputating
hands and feet or throwing objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.

I. GENERAL OPERATION 3. Do not put hands or feet under the cutting deck or
1. Read, understand and follow all instructions in the near rotating parts.
manual and on the machine before starting. Keep 4. Clear the area of objects such as rocks, toys, wire,
this manual in a safe place for future and regular etc. which could be picked up and thrown by the
reference and for ordering replacement parts blades. A small object may have been overlooked
2. Only allow responsible individuals familiar with the and could be accidentally thrown by the mower in
instructions to operate the machine. Know the any direction and cause injury to you or a
controls and how to stop the machine quickly. bystander. To help avoid a thrown objects injury,
keep children, animals, bystanders and helpers at

2
 least 75 feet from the mower while it is in 19. Check overhead clearance carefully before
operation. Always wear safety glasses with side driving under power lines, wires, bridges or low
shields or safety goggles during operation or hanging tree branches, before entering or leaving
while performing an adjustment or repair, to buildings, or in any other situation where the
protect eyes from foreign objects. Stop the blades operator may be struck or pulled from the unit,
when crossing gravel drives, walks or roads. which could result in serious injury.
5. Be sure the area is clear of other people before 20. Disengage the power take-off, set the parking
mowing. Stop machine if anyone enters the area. brake and shift into neutral before attempting to
start the engine.
6. Never carry passengers.
21. Your mower is designed to cut normal residential
7. Disengage the blades before shifting into reverse grass. Do not attempt to mow through unusually
and backing up. Always look down and behind tall, dry grass (e.g. pasture) or piles of dry leaves.
before and while backing. Debris may build up on the mower deck or
8. Be aware of the mower and attachment discharge contact the engine exhaust presenting a potential
direction and do not point it at anyone. Do not fire hazard.
operate the mower without either the entire grass 22. Use only accessories approved for the machine
catcher or the chute guard in place. by Cub Cadet. Read, understand and follow all
instructions provided with approved accessories.
9. Slow down before turning. Operate the machine
smoothly. Avoid erratic operation and excessive
speed. II. SLOPE OPERATION
10. Never leave a running machine unattended. Slopes are a major factor related to loss of control and
Always turn off the blades, place the transmission tip-over accidents, which can result in severe injury or
in neutral, set the parking brake, stop the engine death. All slopes require extra caution. If you cannot
and remove key before leaving the area. back up the slope or if you feel uneasy on it, do not
mow it.
11. Turn off blades when not mowing.
For your safety, use the slope gauge (provided in
12. Stop the engine and wait until the blades come to tractor Operator’s Manual) to measure slopes before
a complete stop before (a) removing the grass operating the unit on a sloped or hilly area. If the slope
catcher or unclogging chute, or (b) making any is greater than 15 degrees, as shown by the slope
repairs, adjusting or removing any grass or debris. gauge, do not operate the unit on that area or serious
13. Mow only in daylight or good artificial light. injury could result.

14. Do not operate the machine while under the DO:

influence of alcohol or drugs. Mow up and down slopes, not across.
15. Watch for traffic when operating near or crossing Remove obstacles such as rocks, limbs, etc.
roadways. Watch for holes, ruts or bumps. Uneven terrain could
16. Use extra care when loading or unloading the overturn the machine. Tall grass can hide obstacles.
machine onto a trailer or truck. This unit should Use slow speeds. Choose a low enough gear so that
not be driven under power up or down a ramp you will not have to stop or shift while on the slope.
onto a trailer or truck, because the unit could tip Always keep the machine in gear when going down
over causing serious personal injury. The unit slopes to take advantage of engine braking action.
must be manually pushed on a ramp to load or
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wheel
unload properly.
weights or counterweights to improve stability.
17. Never make a cutting height adjustment while the Use extra care with grass catchers or other
engine is running if the operator must dismount to attachments. These can change the stability of the
do so. machine.
18. Wear sturdy, rough-soled work shoes and close- Keep all movement on the slopes slow and gradual.
fitting slacks and shirts. Do not wear loose fitting Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
clothes or jewelry. They can be caught in moving Rapid engagement or braking could cause the front of
parts. Never operate a unit in bare feet, sandals the machine to lift and rapidly flip over backwards
or sneakers. which could cause serious injury.

3
Avoid starting or stopping on a slope. If the tires lose b. Never remove fuel cap or add fuel with the en-
traction, disengage the blades and proceed slowly gine hot or running. Allow the engine to cool at
straight down the slope. least two minutes before refueling.
c. Replace the fuel cap securely and wipe off any
DO NOT: spilled fuel before starting the engine as it may
cause a fire or explosion.
Do not turn on slopes unless absolutely necessary. If
necessary, turn slowly and gradually across and down d. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and oth-
slope, if possible. er sources of ignition.
Do not mow near drop-offs, ditches or embankments. e. Never refuel the machine indoors because fuel
The mower could suddenly turn over if a wheel is over vapors will accumulate in the area.
the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
f. Never store the fuel container or machine
Do not mow on wet grass. Reduced traction could inside where there is an open flame or spark,
cause sliding. such as a gas hot water heater, space heater
or furnace.
Do not try to stabilize the machine by putting your foot
on the ground. 2. Never run a machine inside a closed area. Engine
Do not use the optional grass catcher on steep slopes. exhaust fumes can be lethal.
3. To reduce fire hazard, keep the machine free of
III. CHILDREN grass, leaves or other debris build-up. Clean up
oil or fuel spillage. Allow the machine to cool at
Tragic accidents can occur if the operator is not alert least 5 minutes before storing.
to the presence of children. Children are often
attracted to the machine and the mowing activity. 4. Before cleaning, repairing or inspecting, stop the
Never assume that children will remain where you engine and remove key. Make certain the blades
last saw them. and all moving parts have stopped. Disconnect
the spark plug wires and move them away from
1. Keep children out of the mowing area and in
the spark plugs to prevent accidental starting.
watchful care of an adult other than the operator.
5. Frequently check all nuts, bolts and screws for
2. Be alert and turn the machine off if children enter
proper tightness to ensure the equipment is in
the area.
safe working condition, especially the blade nuts.
3. Before and when backing up, look behind and Also visually inspect blades for damage (e.g.,
down for small children. excessive wear, bent, cracked). Replace only
4. Never carry children, even with the blades off. with blades that meet original equipment
They may fall off and be seriously injured or may specifications.
interfere with safe machine operation.
6. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their
5. Never allow children under 14 years old to proper operation regularly. Use all guards as
operate the machine. Children 14 years and older instructed in this manual.
should only operate the machine under close
parental supervision and proper instruction. 7. After striking a foreign object, stop the engine,
remove the wires from the spark plugs and
6. Use extra care when approaching blind corners, thoroughly inspect the mower for any damage.
shrubs, trees or other objects that may obscure Repair the damage before restarting and
your vision of a child or other hazard. operating the mower.
7. Remove the key when the machine is left
8. Grass catcher components are subject to wear,
unattended to prevent unauthorized operation.
damage and deterioration, which could expose
moving parts or allow objects to be thrown. For
IV. SERVICE your safety, frequently check the components
and replace with manufacturer’s recommended
1. Use extreme care in handling gasoline and other parts when necessary.
fuels. They are extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. 9. Mower blades are sharp and can cut. Wrap the
blades or wear gloves, and use extra caution
a. Use only an approved container. when servicing blades.

4
10. Check brake operation frequently. Adjust and the waste. Recycling centers are established
service as required. to properly dispose of materials in an
environmentally safe fashion.
11. Muffler, engine and belt guards become hot
b. Use proper containers when draining fluids.
during operation and can cause a burn. Allow to
Do not use food or beverage containers that
cool down before touching.
may mislead someone into drinking from
12. Do not change the engine governor settings or them. Properly dispose of the containers im-
overspeed the engine. Excessive engine speeds mediately following the draining of fluids.
are extremely dangerous. c. DO NOT pour oil or other fluids into the
ground, down a drain or into a stream, pond,
13. If the machine should begin to vibrate abnormally, lake, or other body of water. Observe Environ-
stop the engine and check immediately for the mental Protection Agency regulations when
cause. Abnormal vibration is a warning of trouble. disposing of oil, fuel, coolant, brake fluid, fil-
ters, batteries, tires and other harmful waste.
14. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations.
Improper disposal of fluids and materials can 15. We do not recommend the use of a pressure
harm the environment and the ecology. washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They
may cause damage to electrical components;
a. Prior to disposal, contact your local spindles; pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The
Environmental Protection Agency to use of water will result in shortened life and
determine the proper method for disposing of reduce serviceability.

WARNING - YOUR RESPONSIBILITY: Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who
read, understand and follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.

TO THE OWNER
Contained in this manual are instructions covering If you have difficulties with the attachment, have
installation and maintenance of the 48 inch Model 190- questions regarding the operation or maintenance of
289 , and 54 inch Model 190-295 mower decks. this equipment, or desire additional information not
Information provided will guide you through the found in the manual, contact your dealer. If you need
preparation, installation and removal processes. help locating a dealer in your area, contact the
Proper completion of the adjustment procedures will Customer Dealer Referral Line by calling:
help to ensure optimal performance from the mower
deck. 1-877-282-8684
Maintenance procedures outlined in this manual, if
performed as instructed, will provide for a continued
high level of performance and prolonged service life
from the mower deck. NOTE
Throughout this manual, the reader will be directed to References to LEFT and RIGHT indicate that
refer to various figures. These figures depict and side of the tractor when facing forward while
indentify parts which are relevant to the associated seated in the drivers seat. Reference to FRONT
text. Careful attention to these figures will greatly assist indicates the grille end of the tractor; to REAR,
the reader during both installation and maintenance the drawbar end.
processes.

5
 SECTION I. TRACTOR AND DECK PREPARATION
to the deck assembly. Remove all padding material from
the drive shafts. Refer to Figure 1.
WARNING NOTE: The mower deck front lift bracket/rod assembly
When handling the mower deck, be careful not is shipped on the tractor. If not already done, cut the tie
to cut yourself on the sharp blades. strap securing the front lift bracket/rod assembly to the
front of the tractor frame. Pull the center of the tractor’s
Remove the top and break down the sides of the crate quick latch rod downward to remove the lift bracket as-
to remove the deck assembly from the shipping sembly from the tractor.
container. Cut the tie strap securing the front drive shaft

CHUTE
DEFLECTOR
DECK ASSEMBLY

REAR DRIVE
SHAFT
FRONT LIFT BRKT/ROD ASS’Y.
— SHIPPED ON TRACTOR FRONT DRIVE
SHAFT

Figure 1

NOTE: The chute deflector may have been factory in- same direction as the spring coil windings.
stalled. If so, skip to Step B. Reinsert the hinge pin and drive completely into
the deflector
A. DECK PREPARATION 4. When the hinge pin is assembled correctly, the
end will be slightly past flush with the chute
deflector tab (See Figure 2). Cut and remove the
WARNING tie strap from the torsion spring.
Never operate the mower deck without the chute
deflector installed and in the down position. TORSION
SPRING
To aid in assembly, the chute deflector is shipped with TIE LONG END
the torsion spring mounted and tie-strapped in place STRAP OF SPRING
(See Figure 2). Do not cut the tie strap until after the
chute deflector has been installed. CASTER CHANNEL
1. Mount the chute deflector on the right hand castor HINGE BRKTS.
channel hinge brackets, with the long end of the
spring flat against the top of the deck and pointing
toward the center of the deck (See Figure 2).
2. Insert the tapered end of the hinge pin into the
front mounting tab of the chute deflector. Then
drive the pin through the chute and hinge brack-
ets making sure it passes through the torsion HINGE PIN
spring. DO NOT drive the pin fully into place now.
3. The torsion spring should hold the chute deflector CHUTE
DEFLECTOR
downward in the operating position. Lift the chute
TAB
deflector to check for spring tension. If very little
tension is felt, pull the hinge pin and load the
spring by turning the long end one turn in the Figure 2

6
B. TRACTOR PREPARATION

WARNING LEFT LEFT

Place the tractor on a level surface and engage LIFT LIFT
the parking brake lever. ROD LINK
NOTCH
SLOT
NOTE
Tractors built Mfg. Code 1K060G and after are VIEWED FROM
equipped with a deck downstop feature. In the RIGHT SIDE
LIFT STOP BRACKET
raised position, the downstop will prevent the lift RELEASE TAB
links from being adequately lowered to allow in-
stallation of the deck. If the deck is being in- Figure 4A
stalled on a tractor which does not have the
downstop feature, skip the following step 1 and
go to step 2.
1. If installing the deck on a tractor with the deck
downstop feature, make certain the downstop is in
the lowered position as follows (See Figure 3):
a. If necessary, use the tractor’s lift handle to
raise the center lift and relieve any pressure
from the downstop arm. LIFT
HOLD UPWARD
b. Lower the deck downstop by continuously DOWN
turning the height adjustment knob counter-
clockwise.
Figure 4B

LOWER RAISE

HEIGHT SWING
ADJUSTMENT LIFT ROD
KNOB FORWARD

Figure 3
Figure 4C
2. The left lift link of the tractor must be raised to
provide clearance for sliding the mower deck
under, or out from under, the tractor. Referring to
figures 4A through 4D, lock the left lift link in its
deck installation position as follows:
a. Use the tractor lift system lever to lower the lift
links. Stop the tractor engine.
b. Holding the left lift rod downward, lift upward LIFT LINK
on the release tab of the lift stop bracket while LOCKED
raising the rearward end of the lift link to align
the notch of the rod with the slot of the link VIEWED FROM
(See Figures 4A and 4B). RIGHT SIDE
c. Swing the lift rod forward until fully to the front
of the lift link slot (See Figures 4C and 4D).
Figure 4D

7
 SECTION II. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF MOWER DECK
A. INSTALLATION OF DECK
PIVOT LINK
After locking the left lift link as described in Section I SHOULDER BOLT
(step B-2), start the tractor and use the hydraulic lift to ROTATE ADJUSTMENT
fully raise the left lift link (See Figure 5). Stop engine. KNOB

DETENT
HUB

DETENT PIN

GUIDE
BRACKET
SLOT

LEFT LIFT LINK

FULLY RAISED
Figure 7
Figure 5
Install the mower deck on the tractor as follows:
Remove the internal cotter pins, flat washers, and 1. Place the tractor and mower deck on a firm and
adjustment clevis pins to adjust the front caster wheel level surface. Position the mower deck on the left
arms to their highest setting (lowest deck setting) in the side of the tractor with the front of the deck toward
height adjustment brackets of the deck (See Figure 6). the front of the tractor (See Figure 8)

CASTER ADJUSTMENT INTERNAL

WHEEL CLEVIS PIN COTTER PIN
ARM
FLAT
WASHER

TOP
HOLE

HGT. ADJ.
BRACKET

Figure 6
Adjust the rear deck rollers to their highest setting
(lowest deck setting) as follows:
SLIDE
1. From the left/rear of the deck, pull the adjustment
UNDER
knob rearward to disengage the detent pin of the
knob from the hole in the detent hub (See Figure
7). Hold the knob rearward.
2. Turn the knob clockwise until the shoulder bolt
fastened to the roller pivot link is at the top of the
slot in the roller guide bracket (See Figure 7).
3. Release the knob and turn as necessary to align Figure 8
the detent pin with the nearest hole in the hub.

8
 WARNING NOTE
Before installing the mower deck, place the The following step 6 applies only to the initial
PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the installation of the mower deck on the tractor.
parking brake lever, and turn ignition key to the
“OFF” position. ALWAYS stop the engine after 6. Loosen the hex jam nuts on the front lift bracket/
utilizing the tractor hydraulic lift system. When rod assembly and back off (unscrew) the hex lock
handling the mower deck, be careful not to cut nuts until approximately 1/2 inch from the ends of
yourself on the sharp blades. the threads (See Figure 11).
2. Slide the deck under the tractor until the slots of
the LH and RH rear deck brackets align approxi-
mately with the tractor lift links (See Figure 9). APPROX.
1/2 INCH
3. Pull outward and cock the deck support pins in the FRONT
rear deck brackets so that both spring-loaded pins LIFT
are held in the disengaged position against the ROD HEX
JAM
inner surface of the deck brackets (See Figure 9). NUT
HEX
LOCK
REAR DECK
LOCK WASHER NUTS
BRACKET
SLOT
DECK FRONT LIFT
SUPPORT BRACKET
PIN

PIN LOCKED IN Figure 11

DISENGAGED
POSITION
7. From the front of the tractor, slide the outer pins of
the front lift bracket into the latch receiver slots of
the tractor. Press the lift bracket rearward until
Figure 9 both sides are firmly captured in the latch receivers
by the quick latch rod (See Figure 12).
4. Use the tractor lift system to lower the lift links.
NOTE: If installing the deck on a tractor with the
deck downstop feature, make certain the
QUICK LATCH ROD
downstop is in the lowered position (Refer to LATCH RECEIVER SLOTS
Section 1 step B-1).
5. Unlock the left lift link by sliding the left lift rod fully
rearward in the slot of the lift link (See Figure 10).

FRONT
LIFT
LEFT
LH LIFT BRACKET CAPTURE IN
LIFT
RECEIVER SLOTS
ROD LINK

Figure 12
Figure 10

9
8. From the side of the tractor, raise the front lift rod
and roll the deck forward until the lift rod aligns with
slots of the deck front roller bracket. Lower the lift
NOTE
rod into the front roller bracket slots and slide the If unable to align the support pins with the lift
deck rearward to engage the lift rod fully forward link holes, loosen the two hex lock nuts on the
in the slots of the roller bracket (See Figure 13). front lift rod to allow the deck to be moved
farther rearward.

FRONT ROLLER
BRACKET SLOTS

FRONT
LIFT ROD
SUPPORT PIN
FULLY EXTENDED
THROUGH LIFT LINK
(BOTH SIDES)
Figure 13
Figure 15
9. Guide the LH and RH lift links into the slots of the
rear deck brackets and release the deck support
pins by aligning with the inner holes of the deck
brackets (See Figure 14).
NOTE
NOTE: The handle of the support pins should be The following step 11 applies only to the initial
positioned to the rear of the deck brackets as installation of the mower deck on the tractor.
shown in Figure 15.
11. Tighten the hex lock nuts on the front lift rod until
the rod just contacts the front of both slots in the
deck front roller bracket. For now, tighten the hex
jam nuts and lock washers until just snug against
LIFT LINK the front lift bracket. Refer to Adjustments —
Section 3 for final adjustment of front lift rod.

12. Compress the auto-lok collar of the deck drive

SLOT shaft rearward, then cock to lock the collar in the
released position (See Figure 16).
DECK
REAR SUPPORT
DECK PIN
BRACKET
INNER HOLE
COMPRESS
THEN COCK
AUTO-LOK TO LOCK
COLLAR
Figure 14

10. Maneuver each side of the deck slightly to align the

support pins with the holes of the lift links. The
spring tension will push the pins inward and, if
aligned, through the hole in each implement lift
link (See Figure 15). Figure 16

10
 3. Remove the internal cotter pins, flat washers, and
adjustment clevis pins to adjust the front caster
NOTE wheel arms to their highest setting (lowest deck
If you do not lock the drive shaft auto-lok collar setting) in the height adjustment brackets of the
in the released position (step 12), it will be deck (See Figure 6).
necessary to compress and hold the collar 4. Adjust the rear deck rollers to their highest setting
rearward when connecting the shaft (step 13). (lowest deck setting) as follows:
13. Slide the deck drive shaft fully onto the PTO shaft a. From the left/rear of the deck, pull the adjust-
of the tractor (See Figure 17). The auto-lok collar ment knob rearward to disengage the detent
of the drive shaft should snap into the locked pin of the knob from the hole in the detent hub
position when the shaft is properly positioned on (See Figure 7). Hold the knob rearward.
the PTO shaft. b. Turn the knob clockwise until the shoulder bolt
in the roller pivot link is at the top of the slot in
the roller guide bracket (See Figure 7).
c. Release the knob and turn as necessary to align
the detent pin with the nearest hole in the hub.

5. Use the tractor lift system to lower the deck to the

ground. NOTE: If removing the deck from a tractor
with the deck downstop feature, make certain the
downstop is in the lowered position (Refer to
Section 1 step B-1).
PTO SHAFT
DECK DRIVE
SHAFT 6. Pull outward and cock the deck support pins in the
deck hanger brackets so that both spring-loaded
pins are held in the disengaged position against
Figure 17 the inner surface of the deck brackets (See
Figure 9).
14. Refer to Adjustments— Section 3 for mower
deck leveling adjustment procedures. 7. Lock the left lift link in its deck installation/removal
position as follows:
B. REMOVAL OF DECK a. Holding the left lift rod downward, lift upward
on the release tab of the lift stop bracket while
Place the tractor and mower deck on a firm and level raising the rearward end of the lift link to align
surface with enough room to slide the deck out from the notch of the rod with the slot of the link
the left side of the tractor. (See Figures 4A and 4B).
b. Swing the lift rod forward until fully to the front
of the lift link slot (See Figures 4C and 4D).
WARNING
8. Use the hydraulic lift to fully raise the LH and RH
Before removing the mower deck, place the lift links (See Figure 5). Stop the engine.
PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the
parking brake lever, and turn ignition key to the 9. Roll the deck forward to disengage the front lift rod
“OFF” position. Always stop the engine after from the slots of the front roller bracket (See Figure
utilizing the tractor hydraulic lift system. When 13). Hold the front lift rod upward and slide the
handling the deck, be careful not to cut yourself deck rearward until the lift rod rests on top of the
on the sharp blades. roller bracket.

1. Support the deck drive shaft to prevent it from 10. From the front of the tractor, pull the center of the
dropping; then pull the auto-lok collar rearward quick latch rod downward to release the front lift
and slide the drive shaft off of the PTO shaft (See bracket/rod assembly. Slide the front lift bracket
Figures 16 and 17). assembly from the latch receiver slots of the
tractor (See Figure 12).
2. Using the tractor hydraulic lift system, lift the
mower deck so that the caster wheels are off the 11. From the left side of the tractor, slide the mower
ground. Stop the engine. deck out from under the tractor.

11
 SECTION III. ADJUSTMENTS
DECK LEVELING ADJUSTMENTS 2. To prevent contact with the surface below, adjust
the front caster wheel arms and rear rollers to their
highest setting (lowest deck setting). If necessary,
NOTE refer to C. SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT.
Tractors built Mfg. Code 1K060G and after are 3. Carefully rotate the outer cutting blades so that
equipped with a deck downstop feature which they are positioned perpendicular to the tractor
can be used to set the downstop position of the frame (See Figure 18).
mower deck, regardless of whether the deck 4. Referring to Figure 19, measure and record the
caster wheels contact the ground. distance from the level surface to the outer-most
The 48" and 54" mower decks are equipped with cutting edge of the right blade. Repeat this step for
ground following front caster wheels and are designed the left blade. If the two blade heights are not with-
to be operated with the caster wheels and rear rollers in 1/16 inch, the deck must be leveled. Note wheth-
on the ground. However, if the deck is being installed er the left blade had the larger or smaller distance
between the cutting edge and level surface. If the
on a tractor equipped with the downstop feature, the
two blade heights are within 1/16 inch, proceed to
deck can be suspended off the ground by utilizing the
step B. FRONT LIFT ROD ADJUSTMENT.
deck height adjustment knob to set the downstop
position. In either case, to ensure an even cut on all
types of terrain, the mower deck should be properly
leveled. The side to side leveling procedure will result
in the left and right blades having corresponding 2
1
cutting-edge-to ground measurements within 1/16 inch
of each other. Also, the cutting blades will have a 4
downward tilt toward the front of the tractor of
approximately 1/8 inch. To level the mower deck,
1. Finger guard
proceed as follows: 3
2. Blade
3. Hard Level Surface
4. Measure This Distance
WARNING
Before making any adjustments, place the PTO Figure 19
switch in the “OFF” position, engage the parking
brake lever, and turn the ignition key to the “OFF” 5. Side to side leveling is attained by adjusting the
position. When adjusting the mower deck, be hex lock nut on the bottom of the LH lift rod,
careful not to cut yourself on the sharp blades. located below the LH lift link (See Figure 20).

A. SIDE TO SIDE LEVELING ADJUSTMENT

NOTE: Check for proper tire inflation before checking
and/or making a leveling adjustment.
1. Position the tractor on a hard, level surface, and
use the tractor hydraulic lift system to raise the
deck to its highest position. Stop engine.

HEX LOCK NUT

LH LIFT LINK
LH LIFT ROD

OUTER BLADES Figure 20

PERPENDICULAR TO FRAME
6. Turn the hex lock nut upward (tighten) on the
threads of the lift rod to raise the left side of the
Figure 18 mower deck. Turn the lock nut down (loosen) on

12
 the lift rod threads to lower the left side of the the rod does not contact the front of the slot, tighten the
mower deck. corresponding lock nut as needed.
7. Recheck the measurements described in step 4. If FRONT
the blade measurements are not within 1/16 inch, LIFT
repeat steps 4 and 6 until the correct measure- HEX
ROD
LOCK
ment is obtained. HEX JAM NUT NUTS
B. FRONT TO BACK LEVELING
LOCK WASHER
The front lift rod must be correctly adjusted to maintain
the proper pitch of the deck when mowing uneven terrain. FRONT LIFT
1. Adjust the front caster wheel arms and rear deck BRACKET
rollers to their highest setting (lowest deck setting).
2. Position the mower blades so the ends of each Figure 23
blade point to the front and the rear of the tractor
(See Figure 21). 5. Tighten the rear jam nuts and lock washers
against the backside of the front lift bracket after
adjustment of the rod has been completed.

C. SETTING THE CUTTING HEIGHT

NOTE
Cutting height adjustment should be performed only
CHUTE RIGHT HAND BLADE POINTING AFTER the mower deck has been properly leveled.
DEFLECTOR TO FRONT AND REAR
If the mower deck is installed on a tractor without the
deck downstop feature, the cutting height is set by
Figure 21 positioning the front caster wheel arms in one of five
3. Refer to Figure 22. Measure and record the dis- settings in the height adjustment bracket of the deck.
tance from the front cutting edge to the ground If the deck is installed on a tractor with the downstop
(measure A), and from the rear cutting edge to the feature, the cutting height is set by using either the
ground (measure B), for both outer blades. The deck height adjustment knob to set the deck downstop
front edge of each blade (measure A) should be position or by positioning the caster wheels in one of
lower than its back edge (measure B) by approxi- five settings.
mately 1/8 inch.
REAR FRONT USING THE CASTER WHEELS AND ROLLERS TO
CUTTING CUTTING SET CUTTING HEIGHT
EDGE EDGE
B A
WARNING
Before adjusting the caster wheel/roller posi-
Figure 22 tions, place the PTO switch in the “OFF” posi-
4. Adjust the front lift rod as follows to attain the tion, engage the parking brake lever, and turn
proper pitch of the mower deck (See Figure 23). the ignition key to the “OFF” position.
• Loosen the hex jam nuts and lock washers on the
front lift rod. NOTE
• From the front of the tractor, turn the front hex lock
Note the index holes of the height adjustment
nuts clockwise to raise the front of the deck, or
bracket are not sequential (top to bottom) in
counterclockwise to lower the front of the deck.
relation to their corresponding height setting,
• Recheck the measurements described in step 3 and the lower hole in the caster arm is used for
and readjust the hex lock nuts until the proper settings 2 and 4 (See Figure 24).
measurements are obtained.
NOTE: The front lift rod should be fully to the front of 1. Use the tractor lift system to raise the mower deck
both slots in the deck front roller bracket. If one side of off the ground.

13
2. Remove the internal cotter pin, flat washer, and ad- been properly leveled per the previous instructions,
justment clevis pin from the height adjustment measuring just the right hand cutting blade is sufficient.
bracket. Position the caster wheel arm in the desired 5. Carefully rotate the outer cutting blades so that the
height setting and insert the adjustment clevis pin ends of the right blade point to the front and rear of
(See Figure 24). Secure with the flat washer and in- the tractor (Refer to Figure 21).
ternal cotter pin. Repeat for other side.
6. Lower the deck to level surface below.
CASTER WHEEL ARM 7. Holding the chute deflector upward, measure the
distance between the front most cutting edge of
the blade and the surface. Repeat for the rear most
1 cutting edge and compare the two measurements.
3 a. If the front measurement is the same as, or up
ADJUSTMENT
to 1/8" less than the rear measurement, no ad-
CLEVIS PIN 5
justment is required.
b. If the rear measurement is greater than 1/8"
2
higher than the front measurement, turn the
4 roller adjustment knob clockwise as needed to
raise the roller and achieve the specified pitch
of the deck.
c. If the front measurement is greater than the
HGT. ADJ. rear measurement, turn the roller adjustment
BRACKET knob counterclockwise as needed to lower the
roller and achieve the specified pitch of the
INDEX HOLE POSITION 1 = LOWEST DECK SETTING deck. Remember the detent pin of the adjust-
INDEX HOLE POSITION 5 = HIGHEST DECK SETTING ment knob should engage the nearest hole in
the detent hub.
Figure 24
USING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT KNOB — TRAC-
3. From the left/rear of the deck, pull the adjustment TORS WITH DECK DOWNSTOP ONLY
knob rearward to disengage the detent pin of the
knob from the hole in the detent hub. While holding A full rotation of the height adjustment knob equals ap-
the knob rearward turn the roller adjustment knob prox. a 1/4 inch adjustment in the deck height setting.
as necessary to align the shoulder bolt in the roller There are four detent positions per rotation. Initially set
pivot link with the corresponding height index the deck downstop as follows (Refer to Figure 26):
setting on the roller guide bracket (See Figure 25). 1. To remove the weight of the deck from the downstop
arm, use the tractor lift system to raise the deck.
Move the caster wheels and rollers to their highest
position.
ROLLER 2. Fully lower the deckstop by continuously turning
ADJ. KNOB the height adjustment knob counterclockwise.
SET IN
POSITION 3
1 1
3
2
3
4 LOWER RAISE
5 5

2
4
HEIGHT
ADJUSTMENT
KNOB
SHOULDER BOLT

Figure 25
4. Release the knob and turn as necessary to align Figure 26
the detent pin with the nearest hole in the hub.
NOTE: Because the weight of the mower deck may 3. Use the tractor lift system to lower the deck to the de-
cause some settling of the roller linkage, the cutting sired height setting, then turn the adjustment knob
blades should be measured to ensure they are level or clockwise until it stops turning freely. Turn the knob to
up to 1/8" lower in the front. If the mower deck has nearest detent position.

14
4. Reposition the caster wheels and roller so that USING THE CASTER WHEELS AND ROLLERS ON
they are appoximately 1/2 inch above the ground. TRACTORS WITH DECK DOWNSTOP
5. For subsequent minor adjustments from this To use the caster wheels/rollers for setting the cutting
position, use the tractor lift system to raise the deck, height on tractors equipped with the deck downstop,
then turn the adjustment knob as necessary to make certain to lower the downstop using the height
attain the desired height setting (one full turn adjustment knob. Then follow the previous instructions
equals approximately 1/4"). Reposition the caster for setting the cutting height using the caster wheels
wheels and rollers if necessary. and rollers.

SECTION IV. MAINTENANCE

A. CLEANING AND BLADE CARE model, use a 1-1/8 inch wrench to hold the head of
the spindle bolt while loosening the hex nut securing
the blade.
WARNING A block of wood may be placed between the deck
housing and the cutting edge of the blade to assist in
Before performing any maintenance, place the
removal of the hex nut (Refer to Figure 28).
PTO switch in the “OFF” position, engage the
parking brake lever, turn the ignition key to the
“OFF” position and remove the key from the HEX NUT
switch. When servicing the mower deck, be care-
ful not to cut yourself on the sharpened blades.
Clean the underside of the mower deck at the end of
the mowing season or when buildup of cut material on
the underside is noticed.
Once a month remove the thumb screws, bell washers,
and belt covers (Refer to Figure 29) to remove any accu-
WOOD BLOCK
mulated grass clippings from around the spindle pulleys
1-1/8" WRENCH IN POSITION
and V-belt. More often when mowing tall, dry grass.
The cutting blades must be kept sharp at all times. Sharp-
en the cutting edges of the blades evenly so that the
blades remain balanced and the same angle of sharp- Figure 28
ness is maintained. If the cutting edge of a blade has
been sharpened to within 5/8 inch of the wind wing radius When reinstalling the blades, be sure they are installed
(See Figure 27), it is recommended that new blades be so that the wind wings are pointing upward toward the
installed. top of the deck. Tighten the nuts to 90 to 110 ft-lbs.
(122 to 149 N·m).
WIND
5/8" FROM
After replacing the blades, apply grease to the
WING
RADIUS exposed threads at the bottom of the spindles to
prevent rust buildup.

B. LUBRICATION
After every 10 hours of operation and/or before putting
the deck into winter storage, lubricate the spindle
assemblies and the spindle belt idler arm with 251H EP
Figure 27 grease or an equivalent No. 2 multipurpose lithium
grease. The lube fitting for the outer spindles can be
Model 289 48" Deck — This model uses a keyed accessed by removing the button plugs in the belt
spindle shaft and pulley, with a hex jam nut securing covers. Use grease liberally. Excess grease will be
the pulley. When removing the blades from this expelled from the inverted upper seals of the spindle
model, use a 1-1/4 inch wrench to hold the hex assemblies. Listen for the muffled crackling noise of
shaped hub of the pulley when loosening the hex nut grease being expelled through the seal to indicate the
securing the blade. spindle assembly is fully greased (Refer to Figure 29).
Model 295 54" Deck — This model uses a hex head Apply grease to all other lube fittings after every 50
spindle bolt. When removing the blades from this hours of operation. Refer to LUBRICATION GUIDE.

15
 6 3& 4 1 2 2 1 3& 4
6

5 4

1. Spindle Belt Cover 4. Spindle Assembly Lube Fittings

2. Thumb Screws and Bell Washers 5. Idler Arm Lube Fitting
3. Button Plugs - Access to Spindle 6. Channel Brackets
Lube Fitting

Figure 29

C. SPINDLE BELT REPLACEMENT 3. Insert a 1/2” drive ratchet or breaker bar into the
square hole of the idler bracket (Refer to Figure
A worn spindle belt will affect the quality of cut from the 30).
mower deck and should be replaced. Referring to
4. Using the ratchet (or breaker bar) for leverage,
Figures 29 and 30, replace the spindle belt as follows:
pivot the idler bracket toward the left side of the
deck to loosen tension on the spindle belt; then roll
NOTE the belt off the right hand spindle pulley.

Several fasteners are removed from the deck

when replacing the belt. Clean any WARNING
accumulated grass clippings from the
underside of the mower deck to ensure proper The idler spring may be under tension. Use
reassembly of these fasteners. caution when disconnecting to prevent possible
injury.
REMOVE SPINDLE BELT
5. Unhook the idler spring from the top of the spindle
1. Remove the thumb screws and bell washers se- mounting screw of the RH spindle assembly. It is
curing the belt covers. Slide the belt cover tabs not necessary to remove the spring from the idler
from the channel brackets to remove the covers bracket.
(See Figure 29). 6. Slide the belt off and over the LH spindle pulley.
Then pull the belt under the LH belt cover
NOTE mounting strap; off the fixed flat idler pulley and
center spindle pulley; and under the idler bracket.
Note the routing of the spindle belt to help
7. Remove the three hex flange lock nuts and
ensure proper installation of the new belt.
carriage bolts securing the gear box mounting
bracket to the deck.
2. Remove the RH belt cover mounting strap by
removing the two carriage bolts and hex flange 8. Lift the gear box /mounting bracket assembly and
lock nuts. Note the rear carriage bolt is inserted slide the belt off and underneath the drive pulley.
from the top of the deck (See Figure 30).
9. Remove the belt from the deck.

16
 10 2 3 9

1
1
5
11 7 4
8
12 1

1. Spindle Pulleys 7. Idler Bracket

2. Movable Flat Idler Pulley 8. Shoulder Bolt
3. Drive Pulley 9. Gear Box Mounting Bracket
4. Fixed Flat Idler Pulley 10. Idler Spring
5. Spindle Belt 11. Spindle Mounting Screw
6. RH Belt Cover Mounting Strap 12. Square Hole In Idler Bracket

Figure 30

INSTALL NEW SPINDLE BELT 6. Hook the idler spring onto the RH spindle
mounting screw, between the two lock nuts.
1. Lift the gear box /mounting bracket assembly to
install the belt around the rear of the drive pulley 7. After making certain the belt is properly routed
and through the center opening of the mounting (Refer to Figure 30), insert a 1/2” drive ratchet or
bracket. breaker bar into the square hole of the idler
2. Install the gear box mounting bracket on the deck bracket.
and secure with the three carriage bolts and hex
flange lock nuts. 8. Using the ratchet (or breaker bar) for leverage,
pivot the idler bracket toward the left side of the
3. Route the backside of the belt around the deck to loosen tension and allow the spindle belt to
movable flat idler pulley. be rolled onto the right hand spindle pulley.
4. Loop the belt and slide it underneath the idler
9. Install the RH belt cover mounting strap with the
bracket and LH belt cover mounting strap.
two carriage bolts and hex flange lock nuts. The
5. Route the belt as follows: rear carriage bolt should be inserted from the top
• around the left spindle pulley of the deck
• around the rear of the fixed flat idler pulley 10. Install the belt covers and secure with the thumb
• around the front of the center spindle pulley screws and bell washers.
• to the right spindle pulley

17
 LUBRICATION GUIDE
The life of any machine depends upon the care it is given. Proper lubrication is a very important part
of that care.

NOTE: We do not recommend the use of a pressure Lubricant is cheap. Use plenty of it. Worn parts can be
washer or garden hose to clean your unit. They may expensive to replace.
cause damage to electrical components; spindles;
pulleys; bearings; or the engine. The use of water will Keep your supply of lubricating oil and grease stored in
result in shortened life and reduce serviceability. clean containers, and covered to protect from dust and
dirt.

Be certain that all lubrication fittings are assembled in Keep the lubricating gun nozzle clean and wipe dirt
place, using the lubrication illustration as a guide. from the grease fittings before lubricating.
The symbols in the illustrations indicate the method of
Always lubricate the deck thoroughly before taking it to application and the hourly intervals to apply the
the field. Use a pressure lubricating gun. lubricant.
Use a pressure lubricating gun
Be sure all fittings are free from dirt and paint so the and apply 251H EP grease (or
lubricant is certain to enter the bearing. equivalent No. 2 multi-purpose
lithium grease) sufficient to flush
Miscellaneous working parts not provided with out the old grease and dirt. Lubri-
lubrication fittings should be oiled daily with a good cate at the hourly intervals indicat-
grade of lubricating oil. ed on the symbols.

10 1

50 50 10 50 50 50 50

5 4 2 3 3 4 5

1. Deck Spindles — Every 10 Hours of Operation

2. Idler Bracket — Every 10 Hours of Operation
3. Deck Drive Shaft — Every 50 Hours of Operation
4. Castor Wheels — Every 50 Hours of Operation
5. Front Castor Spindles — Every 50 Hours of Operation

18
PRODUCT GRAPHICS missing, painted over or can no longer be read.
Keep safety product graphics (decals) clean. Replace Replacement safety graphics are available through
any safety graphic that is damaged, destroyed, your dealer.

KEEP HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM

ROTATING PARTS.
REMOVE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE
THROWN BY THE BLADE IN ANY
DIRECTION. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
DO NOT MOW WHEN CHILDREN OR
OTHERS ARE AOUND. NEVER CARRY
CHILDREN .
USE EXTRA CAUTION ON SLOPES. DO
NOT MOW SLOPES GREATER THAN 15°.
MOW UP AND DOWN, NOT ACROSS.
AVOID SUDDEN TURNS, USE LOW GEAR.
READ OPERATOR'S MANUAL. KEEP SAFETY DEVICES WORKING.

60" DECK SAFETY GRAPHIC – LOCATED

ON LEFT SIDE OF MOWER DECK

DEFLECTOR and SAFETY GRAPHIC –

LOCATED ON RIGHT SIDE OF DECK

HANDS AND FEET SAFETY GRAPHIC –

LOCATED ON DEFLECTOR CHUTE

19
 MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR:

The limited warranty set forth below is given by Cub Cadet possesions and territories, except those sold through
LLC with respect to new merchandise purchased and used in Cub Cadet’s authorized channels of export
the United States, its possessions and territories. distribution.
e. Replacement parts that are not genuine Cub Cadet
“Cub Cadet” warrants this product against defects in material
parts.
and workmanship for a period of two (2) years commencing
f. Service completed by someone other than an
on the date of original purchase and will, at its option, repair or
authorized service dealer.
replace, free of charge, any part found to be defective in
g. Transportation charges and service calls.
materials or workmanship. This limited warranty shall only
apply if this product has been operated and maintained in No implied warranty, including any implied warranty of
accordance with the Operator’s Manual furnished with the merchantability of fitness for a particular purpose,
product, and has not been subject to misuse, abuse, applies after the applicable period of express written
commercial use, neglect, accident, improper maintenance, warranty above as to the parts as identified. No other
alteration, vandalism, theft, fire, water, or damage because of express warranty, whether written or oral, except as
other peril or natural disaster. Damage resulting from the mentioned above, given by any person or entity,
installation or use of any part, accessory or attachment not including a dealer or retailer, with respect to any product,
approved by Cub Cadet for use with the product(s) covered shall bind Cub Cadet. During the period of the warranty,
by this manual will void your warranty as to any resulting the exclusive remedy is repair or replacement of the
damage. product as set forth above.
Normal wear parts are warranted to be free from defects in The provisions as set forth in this warranty provide the
material and workmanship for a period of thirty (30) days from sole and exclusive remedy arising from the sale. Cub
the date of purchase. Normal wear parts include, but not Cadet shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
limited to items such as: batteries, belts, blades, blade loss or damage including, without limitation, expenses
adapters, grass bags, rider deck wheels, seats, snow thrower incurred for substitute or replacement lawn care services
skid shoes, shave plates, auger spiral rubber and tires. or for rental expenses to temporarily replace a warranted
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE: Warranty service is available, product.
WITH PROOF OF PURCHASE, through your local authorized Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of
service dealer. To locate the dealer in your area, check your incidental or consequential damages, or limitations on how
Yellow Pages, or contact Cub Cadet LLC at P.O. Box 361131, long an implied warranty lasts, so the above exclusions or
Cleveland, Ohio 44136-0019, or call 1-877-282-8684, or log limitations may not apply to you.
on to our Web site at www.cubcadet.com.
In no event shall recovery of any kind be greater than the
This limited warranty does not provide coverage in the amount of the purchase price of the product sold. Alteration
following cases: of safety features of the product shall void this warranty.
a. The engine or component parts thereof. These items You assume the risk and liability for loss, damage, or injury to
may carry a separate manufacturer’s warranty. Refer you and your property and/or to others and their property
to applicable manufacturer’s warranty for terms and arising out of the misuse or inability to use the product.
conditions. This limited warranty shall not extend to anyone other than the
b. Log splitter pumps, valves, and cylinders have a sepa original purchaser or to the person for whom it was purchased
rate one year warranty. as a gift.
c. Routine maintenance items such as lubricants, filters,
blade sharpening, tune-ups, brake adjustments, clutch HOW STATE LAW RELATES TO THIS WARRANTY: This
adjustments, deck adjustments, and normal limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may
deterioration of the exterior finish due to use or also have other rights which vary from state to state.
exposure. IMPORTANT: Owner must present Original Proof of
d. Cub Cadet does not extend any warranty for products Purchase to obtain warranty coverage.
sold or exported outside of the United States, its

Cub Cadet LLC, P.O. BOX 361131 CLEVELAND, OHIO 44136-0019; Phone: 1-877-282-8684