Stage-7, Complete K66 Oil-Change Guide GT/TS,Install Mowing Deck, Done.

[GT48DXLS]

Stage-7,

This mower deck install guide can be used with other riders.

This is to show a way of installing the deck in a strategic way, to use the deck itself to leverage weight and tension. I wanted to be able to install the belt to the PTO without fighting with the anti-sway bar tension (just doing its job) with the spring tension setting on the deck and maintain “all” the adjusted settings. This is what I came up with, and am interested in any feedback on how it worked for you.

1) With your deck ready, place the mower deck height adjust lever in the up or 3.5 position, remember the spring weight, and account for it, it wants to pull hard going up.



2) Install your right rear lift suspension arm (let it dangle).



3) Install your left rear lift suspension arm (let it dangle).



4) From the right side of your GT, slide your mowing deck underneath into approximate position.



5) Push your deck forward enough to install the mowing deck belt on the PTO pulley (It will feel too easy, it is, but good).







Stage-7, Continued on the next reply...

 

[GT48DXLS]

Stage-7, Continued,

6) From the right side, install the anti sway bar end to the transaxle support plate and have ready for the deck by removing the washer and pin. Keep them handy on the right side. Using the leverage and weight of the deck, bring the deck back enough to align the sway bar end into the deck mount bracket and when there is enough end coming through to place the washer on and the pin, get it secured. (your middle support drag arms should be resting forward right now)











7) Place the mower deck height adjust lever all the way down as far as it will go or 1 – 1.5 is fine.





8) On the left side, take the washer and pin off the rear and mid drag arm posts, have them ready.



Stage-7, Continued on the next reply....

 

[GT48DXLS]

Stage-7, Continued...

9) Install left rear drag arm with a little lift from your hand if needed on the deck, the washer and pin will go in proper once the deck is mostly in position.









10) From the right side, remove the washer and pin for the rear and mid drag arm, have them ready.



11) Install the right rear drag arm in the same manner as on the left.



12) Install the right middle drag arm.



13) Install the left middle drag arm.



Stage-7, Continued on the next reply...

 

[GT48DXLS]

Stage-7, Continued...

14) The front mount that has been up out of the way, or make sure its in close proximate to its mounts on the deck, lift the front deck with one hand just enough to allow the prongs to fall into place.







15) Function check, operate the mower deck height adjust lever up and down and observe its function as it should. If the steps were taken since the beginning, the adjustment should be the same, and the spring tension on the deck is also the same because we used leverage and order to not have to change any settings from original.



16) Inspect all 5 mower deck points of support contact (drag arms) and the anti sway bar for washers and most important, pins properly in place.

If you are here, you have one final K66 inspection left, your mower deck is properly installed, Your GT looks like it did before you started and runs like it did before you started, there are no “extra” parts left over but those that were replaced, every bolt, nut, pin, connector, are installed without missing anything!

My Deepest Respect Goes Out To You Right Now. Congratulations On An Accomplishment I Think Very Few Will Do (there are few K66’s out there in comparison to a Rider with the K46, a different transaxle and tractor).

Celebrate Knowing There Is Virtually Nothing You Can’t Accomplish With Your GT Now, This Should be Freeing.

For those that wonder why your Dealer won’t do this (I’ve read the comments), it should be self evident now that $800 or so in labor on a $3500 tractor, might not be understood by the customer, possibly leaving the Dealer, even a good one, in a no-win situation. Just a Guess, but sometimes this level of understanding can be appreciated.

One last thing. Go mow your lawn, at least a couple of hours worth. Re-inspect the K66 reservoir bottle and note there is fluid in it, and no leaks. This is the third and final inspection, and after your GT passes your inspection, and its good, feel free to put your weights, accessories and such back on as you use them.

Cheers,

- GT