Follow the steps listed below to learn how to properly install your mower deck onto your Troy-Bilt mustang. Proper installation will help to save time and prevent your mower from becoming unnecessarily damaged.

Before servicing any power equipment, follow the safety instructions laid out in your owner's manual. Make sure the equipment is completely stopped, cooled down, and that no parts are moving before attempting to service your equipment.

• Step 1: Set the deck lift handle to its highest possible position.
• Step 2: Place the deck under the tractor from the right side. Line up the deck hanger brackets and deck lift arms as you do so.
• Step 3: Set the deck lift handle to its lowest position.
• Step 4: Pull out the deck release pins and move the deck so that the holes on the deck lift arms and the pins are aligned.
• Step 5: Push the pins in through the lift arms and secure the arms in the rear hanger bracket slots.
• Step 6: Install the front deck lift rod. Secure it with the cotter pin.
• Step 7: Check the deck to make sure the V belt is in the spindle pulleys.
• Step 8: Route the belt beneath the tractor frame and above the transmission tubes toward the PTO pulley that’s located on the bottom of the engine.
• Step 9: Bring the deck up to the position that provides the most horizontal belt position between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley.
• Step 10: Be sure that the belt is in the spindle pulleys and that the backside of the belt is against both the fixed and movable idler pulleys.
• Step 11: Make sure the belt isn’t twisted. Reach under the tractor from the back. Grab the belt and pull it toward the PTO pulley.
• Step 12: Pull the right side of the belt backwards and place the V side of it into the PTO pulley.
• Step 13: Hold the belt and pulley together. Rotate the pulley to the left until the belt is fully rolled onto the PTO pulley.

For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.

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• Troy-Bilt Parts

Removing the deck from your riding mower is the first step in many important processes related to maintaining and servicing your mower such as removing/replacing belts and caring for the blades. Learning how to properly remove your deck will save time and hassle.

Before servicing any power equipment, follow the safety instructions laid out in your owner's manual. Make sure the equipment is completely stopped, cooled down, and that no parts are moving before attempting to service your equipment.

• Step 1: Park your mower on a level surface.
• Step 2: Disengage the PTO.
• Step 3: Turn the engine off.
• Step 4: Set the parking brake.
• Step 5: Set the deck gauge wheels/rollers to their highest setting.
• Step 6: Raise the deck to the position with the most horizontal run of the belt between the deck idler pulleys and the PTO pulley on the bottom of the engine.
• Step 7: Pivot the idler bracket and movable idler pulley away from the backside of the V belt far enough to allow you to lift the belt up and over the idler pulley.
• Step 8: Slide the belt off of the PTO pulley from behind the tractor.
• Step 9: Take the cotter pin out of the front deck lift rod.
• Step 10: Slide the deck lift rod out of the front hanger bracket.
• Step 11: Find the LH and RH deck release pins on each side of the deck.
• Step 12: Pull the release pins out and release the deck from the lift arms.
• Step 13: Put the deck lift handle in its highest mowing position.
• Step 14: Slide the deck out from under the tractor.

For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.

Related Products and Links

• Lawn Mower Parts
• Troy-Bilt Parts

If your grass is being cut unevenly or leaving streaks, there is a good chance that the deck isn't properly leveled. Before attempting to level the deck, check the tire pressure to be sure that they are not uneven and lending themselves to an uneven cut.

Before servicing any power equipment, follow the safety instructions laid out in your owner's manual. Make sure the equipment is completely stopped, cooled down, and that no parts are moving before attempting to service your equipment.

Side to Side

• Step 1: Park your mower on a flat surface.
• Step 2: Place the deck lift handle in a mowing position in the middle. Rotate both outside blades so that they’re perpendicular with the tractor.
• Step 3: Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade tip to the ground and the outside of the right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements should be the same.
• Step 4: If the measurements taken in the previous step are not the same, loosen the hex bolt on the rear left deck hanger link.
• Step 5: Use a wrench to raise or lower the left side of the deck by turning the adjustment gear. Do this until the deck is properly leveled and both blade tips have the same measurements.

Front to Back

• Step 1: Park your mower on a flat surface.
• Step 2: Place the deck lift handle in a mowing position in the middle. Rotate the blade that’s closest to the discharge chute so that it is parallel with the length of the tractor.
• Step 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 front of the blade tip should be ¼’’ to 3/8’’ less than the rear of the blade tip.
• Step 4: Determine if any adjustment needs to be made.
• Step 5: Raise or lower the front of the deck by turning the lock nut on the front deck lift rod with a wrench.
• Step 6: Make sure the deck is properly leveled. Retighten the hex bolt on the left rear deck hanger links after proper adjustment is made.

For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.

Related Products and Links

• Lawn Mower Parts
• Troy-Bilt Parts

Maintaining a clean mower deck can make the difference between a high quality and low quality cut. A clogged up deck can potentially damage blades and other components of your mower, as well as reducing the overall efficiency and quality of its operation.

Before servicing any power equipment, follow the safety instructions laid out in your owner's manual. Make sure the equipment is completely stopped, cooled down, and that no parts are moving before attempting to service your equipment.

• Step 1: Park your mower in an area that is within reach of a garden hose.
• Step 2: Attach your nozzle adapter to the garden hose.
• Step 3: Disengage the PTO.
• Step 4: Set the parking brake.
• Step 5: Stop the engine.
• Step 6: Pull back the locking mechanism on the nozzle adapter and push it into one of the deck wash ports that is on either side of your mower’s deck. Release the locking mechanism to lock the hose onto the wash port.
• Step 7: Turn the water on.
• Step 8: Sit in the operator’s seat.
• Step 9: Start the engine.
• Step 10: Engage the PTO.
• Step 11: Run for at least two minutes until the deck is thoroughly washed.
• Step 12: Disengage the PTO.
• Step 13: Stop the engine.
• Step 14: Turn off the water.
• Step 15: Pull back the locking mechanism on the nozzle and release it from the mower deck.
• Step 16: Repeat the above steps for the wash port at the other end of the deck.

For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.

Related Products and Links

• Lawn Mower Parts
• Troy-Bilt Parts

Maintain a high quality cut for your lawn by utilizing your mower's deck wash system after every mow. This system will remove dirt and grass clumps throughout the deck to help extend the life of your blades and increase their efficiency.

Before servicing any power equipment, follow the safety instructions laid out in your owner's manual. Make sure the equipment is completely stopped, cooled down, and that no parts are moving before attempting to service your equipment.

• Step 1: Place your mower in a clear area on your lawn that’s within reach of a garden hose.
• Step 2: Point your mower’s discharge chute away from your house and cars.
• Step 3: Remove the deck wash nozzle from your mower’s deck and place it on the end of your garden hose.
• Step 4: Attach your hose to the port on your mower’s deck.
• Step 5: Turn on the water.
• Step 6: Start the engine.
• Step 7: Run the engine for at least two minutes. This amount of time will allow your deck to be thoroughly cleaned.
• Step 8: Stop the engine.
• Step 9: Turn the water off.
• Step 10: Detach the hose from the port on your mower’s deck.
• Step 11: Start the engine.
• Step 12: Run the engine for at least two minutes to allow the deck to thoroughly dry.

For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.

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