Cub Cadet Z Force S 54 Z-Force S 48 Operator's Manual - Page 23

4. Using a wrench, raise or lower the left side of the deck by turning the adjustment gears. See Figure 6-6. The deck is properly leveled when both blade tip measurements are equal. Retighten the hex bolt on the front left deck hanger bracket when proper adjustment is achieved. Leveling the Deck (Front To Rear) NOTE: Check the tractor's tire pressure before performing any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to Tires on page 21 for information regarding tire pressure. Always level the deck side to side before front to rear. The front of the deck should be between 1⁄4" and 3⁄8" lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if necessary as follows: 1. Park the tractor on a firm, level surface and place the deck lift pedal in a middle position. 2. Rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the tractor. 3. Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground. The first measurement taken should be between 1⁄4" and 3⁄8" less than the second measurement. Determine the approximate distance necessary for proper adjustment and proceed, if necessary. 4. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex bolt on the left and right rear deck hanger brackets. See Figure 6-6. 5. Using a wrench, raise or lower the left and right side of the deck by turning the adjustment gears. See Figure 6-6. 6. The deck is properly leveled when the front tip of the blade is 1⁄4" lower than the rear tip. Retighten the hex bolt on the left and right rear deck hanger links when proper adjustment is achieved. Adjusting the Belt Tension To tighten or loosen the tension on the belt, tighten or loosen the jam nuts on the U-rod, see Figure 6-7, until a ten-pound pull with a spring scale deflects the belt about 1⁄2". Setting the Deck Wheels Move the tractor on a firm and level surface, preferably pavement, and proceed as follows 1. Select the height position of the cutting deck by placing the deck lift pedal in the normally desired mowing height setting. 2. Check the deck wheels for contact or excessive clearance with the surface below. The deck wheels should have between ¼-½" clearance above the ground. 3. If the deck wheels have excessive clearance or contact with the surface, adjust as follows: a. Raise the deck lift pedal to its highest setting. b. Remove the front and rear deck wheels by removing the lock nuts and shoulder bolts which secure them to the deck. See Figure 6-8. Deck Wheel Lock Nut Shoulder Bolt Figure 6-8 c. Place the deck lift pedal in the desired mowing height setting. d. Reinsert the shoulder bolts (with each gauge wheel) into the index hole that leaves approximately ½-inch between the bottom of the wheel and the pavement. Parking Brake Adjustment If the tractor does not come to a complete stop when the brake lever is completely engaged, or if the tractor's rear wheels can roll with the parking brake applied (and the hydrostatic relief valve open), the brake is in need of adjustment. See your Cub Cadet dealer to have the brake properly adjusted. Figure 6-7 Section 6 - Maintenance & Adjustments 23