Operating Guide
Table Of Contents
- Introduction
- Contents
- Product Identification
- Safety Labels with Text
- Safety Labels without Text
- Safety Label Location
- Understanding the Machine Safety Labels without Text
- Avoid Injury from Loaded Spring
- Avoid Injury from Rotating Blades
- Avoid Injury from Getting Caught in Belts
- Read Operator’s Manual
- Keep Children Away from Mower
- Avoid Injury from Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury From Tipping
- Avoid Injury From Thrown Objects
- Avoid Injury from Equipment Fires
- Safety
- Machine Cleanout
- Operating Controls
- Operating
- Daily Operating Checklist
- Avoid Damage to Plastic and Painted Surfaces
- Mounting and Dismounting Machine
- Adjusting Seat
- Adjusting Armrests
- Adjusting Motion Control Levers
- Adjusting Cutting Height
- Adjusting Mower Level
- Adjusting Mower Wheels
- Testing Safety Systems
- Testing Park Brake Switch
- Testing Park Brake
- Testing Mower Engagement (PTO) Switch
- Testing Seat Switch
- Testing Motion Control Lever Switch
- Using Park Brake
- Using Key Switch
- Using Low Fuel Indicator Light
- Using Mower Engagement Switch
- Using the Hour Meter
- Using the Motion Control Levers
- Starting the Engine
- Engaging Mower
- Using MulchControl (If Equipped)
- Unplugging Mower
- Stopping the Engine
- Moving Machine by Hand
- Unplugging Mower, Bagger, or Material Collection System
- Using Wash Port to Clean Mower Deck
- Transporting Machine on Trailer
- Transporting Material Collection System (If Equipped)
- Towing Loads
- Mowing Tips
- Blade Choices
- Service Intervals
- Service Lubrication
- Service Engine
- Emissions Service Information
- Avoid Fumes
- Gasoline Engine Oil
- Checking Engine Oil Level
- Changing Conventional Engine Oil and Filter
- Changing John Deere Easy Change™ 30-Second Oil Change System (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Air Intake Screen and Engine Fins
- Cleaning Engine Shroud
- Checking and Cleaning Air Cleaner Element
- Checking Spark Plug
- Replacing Fuel Filter
- Cleaning Engine Screen Guard
- Spark Arrestor Maintenance (If Equipped)
- Cleaning Spark Arrestor
- Service Transmission
- Service Mower
- Mower Deck Identification
- Removing and Installing Mower Deck Foot Plate
- Removing Mower Deck (42A)
- Removing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing Mower Deck (42A)
- Installing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (42A Mower)
- Replacing Mower Drive Belt (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
- Installing MulchControl Discharge Plate (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Deflector (If Equipped)
- Installing MulchControl Handle (If Equipped)
- Removing and Storing MulchControl Deck (If Equipped)
- Installing Mulch Blades
- Checking for Bent Mower Blades
- Servicing Mower Blades
- Service Electrical
- Service Miscellaneous
- Troubleshooting
- Storage
- Specifications
- Warranty
- John Deere Quality Statement
- Service Record
- Slope Gauge
- Index
GXT003021—UN—10JUN16
7. 48A and 54A Mower Decks Only: Move mower deck forward to
remove front draft link (I) from the mower deck brackets (J).
8. Raise draft arms to transport position:
a. Pull and raise mower lift lever fully upward.
b. Install pin just below the lift lever to lock into raised position.
9. Rotate front caster wheels to maximize clearance.
10. Slide mower out from under the machine.
● Do not operate the machine without the mower deck: Machine
may become unstable without the mower deck attached. Move
machine only by hand. (See Moving Machine by Hand in
Operating section.)
RM87422,0000745-19-01JUN20
Installing Mower Deck (42A)
1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)
2. Allow engine and muer to cool completely.
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous.
Before adjusting or servicing mower:
● Disconnect spark plug wires or battery negative (-) cable
to prevent engine from starting accidentally.
● Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or
working near blades.
3. Raise mower lift lever fully upward into transport lock position.
4. Remove belt from the mower right-hand spindle sheave to allow
more slack for installation of the belt onto clutch.
5. Slide mower deck under machine.
PY43368—UN—02JUN17
6. Remove lock pin, push handle (A) to its lowest position, and install
pin tool (B) just above lever to lock deck in lowered position.
7. Remove bolt (C) to remove foot plate.
GXT001925—UN—17JUL15
8. Install pin and spring clip (D) onto each side of the rear mower
bracket.
GXT001926—UN—17JUL15
9. Install front lift arm (E) onto the front deck bracket (G) and secure
with washer and locking clip (F).
Service Mower
38