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
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and
under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted
component is released suddenly.
GXT001927—UN—15MAY15
10. Connect mower drive belt:
● Install belt onto the engine sheave.
IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Left and right spindle sheaves
are hidden by belt shields. Failure to position the belt
properly on sheaves may result in belt damage.
● Install 3/8 inch ratchet onto the square hole (H) in the tension
arm and rotate counterclockwise to release tension on the belt.
Lift right spindle cover and install belt onto right spindle sheave
(I). Make sure that belt is properly seated on all sheaves.
11. Flip up left and right spindle covers to verify that belt is properly
seated in both spindle sheaves.
12. Install foot plate.
RM87422,0000746-19-01JUN20
Installing Mower Deck (48A and 54A Mower Decks)
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. Slide mower deck under machine.
GXT003025—UN—10JUN16
5. Move mower deck forward and lower front draft rod (A) into the front
mower deck brackets (B).
GXT003024—UN—10JUN16
6. Lower mower lift lever, and install the pin (C) and spring clip (D)
onto each side of the rear mower bracket.
CAUTION: Avoid injury! Component is spring-assisted and
under tension. Injury can occur if spring-assisted
component is released suddenly.
Service Mower
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