Cub Cadet 12AE764N709 Install guide

Professional Shop Manual
33” Wide Area Mower
MTD Products Inc. - Product Training and Education Department
FORM NUMBER - 769-03596
10/2007
NOTE: These materials are for use by trained technicians who are experienced in the service and repair of outdoor power
equipment of the kind described in this publication, and are not intended for use by untrained or inexperienced individuals.
These materials are intended to provide supplemental information to assist the trained technician. Untrained or inexperi-
enced individuals should seek the assistance of an experienced and trained professional. Read, understand, and follow all
instructions and use common sense when working on power equipment. This includes the contents of the product’s Oper-
ators Manual, supplied with the equipment. No liability can be accepted for any inaccuracies or omission in this publication,
although care has been taken to make it as complete and accurate as possible at the time of publication. However, due to
the variety of outdoor power equipment and continuing product changes that occur over time, updates will be made to these
instructions from time to time. Therefore, it may be necessary to obtain the latest materials before servicing or repairing a
product. The company reserves the right to make changes at any time to this publication without prior notice and without
incurring an obligation to make such changes to previously published versions. Instructions, photographs and illustrations
used in this publication are for reference use only and may not depict actual model and component parts.
© Copyright 2007 MTD Products Inc. All Rights Reserved

Chapter 1: Introduction ...........................................................................................1
Description of the Mower...................................................................................... 1
Fasteners ..............................................................................................................1
Assembly ..............................................................................................................2
Model and Serial Numbers ...................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Maintenance .......................................................................................... 3
Cleaning ...............................................................................................................3
Lubricants .............................................................................................................3
Axle shafts ............................................................................................................3
Front casters......................................................................................................... 4
Spindles ................................................................................................................4
Fasteners ..............................................................................................................5
Transmission ........................................................................................................5
Engine ..................................................................................................................5
Emissions .............................................................................................................5
Chapter 3: Drive system ..........................................................................................6
Transaxle ..............................................................................................................6
Drive Belt.............................................................................................................. 6
To remove/replace the drive belt.......................................................................... 6
Drive Cable ...........................................................................................................7
Brakes ..................................................................................................................8
Brake adjustment.................................................................................................. 9
Brake caliper .......................................................................................................10
Brake cables....................................................................................................... 12
Transmission Removal and replacement........................................................... 14
Chapter 4: Cutting Deck and lift shaft ..................................................................10
Deck removal ......................................................................................................10
Cleaning the deck............................................................................................... 11
Blades .................................................................................................................11
Blade removal..................................................................................................... 12
Spindles ..............................................................................................................13
PTO belt .............................................................................................................14
Deck Timing Belt ................................................................................................15
To service the deck timing belt........................................................................... 15
Deck engagement (PTO) cable ..........................................................................17
Leveling the deck ................................................................................................19
Deck lift shaft and lever ......................................................................................19
Table of Contents

33” Wide Area Mower
1
Description of the Mower
The Troy-Bilt 33” wide cut mower was discontinued in
2005. It has since been completely redesigned and
released as a Cub Cadet for the 2007 season.
See Figure 1.1.
Some changes and features included on this mower:
• Easier access to the belts.
• Improved blade timing.
• Control rods replaced with cables.
• Controls are more user friendly.
• The mower is 20 lbs lighter.
• Deck Height Control.
• 2 gallon fuel tank.
• 10.5 horse power Briggs engine. (Horse power
as rated by Briggs and Stratton)
• 33” cutting width.
• 4 speed Peerless Transmission.
• Simplified gear selector.
• Single lever deck height adjustments.
• Timed dual blades.
• Front (grease able) caster wheels for better
maneuverability.
Figure 1.1
Disclaimer: The information contained in this Manual is
correct at the time of writing. Both the product and the
information about the product are subject to change
without notice.
Disclaimer: This handbook is intended for use by
trained, professional technicians.
• Common sense in operation and safety is
assumed.
• In no event shall MTD or Cub Cadet be liable for
for poor text interpretation, or poor execution of
the procedures described in the text.
• If the person using this handbook is uncomfort-
able with any procedures they encounter, they
should seek the help of a qualified technician.
Fasteners
• Most of the fasteners used on the mower are
sized in fractional inches. Some are metric. For
this reason, wrench sizes are frequently identi-
fied in the text, and measurements are given in
U.S. and metric scales.
• If a fastener has a locking feature that has worn,
replace the fastener or apply a small amount of
releasable threadlocking compound such as
Loctite® 242 (blue).
• Some fasteners like cotter pins are single-use
items that are not to be reused.
Other fasteners such as lock washers, retaining
rings, and internal cotter pins (hairpin clips) may
be reused if the do not show signs of wear or
damage. This manual leaves that decision to
the judgement of the technician.
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Chapter 1: Introduction
2
Assembly
Torque specifications may be noted in the part of the
text that covers assembly, they may also be summa-
rized in tables along with special instructions regarding
locking or lubrication. Whichever method is more
appropriate will be used. In many cases, both will be
used so that the manual is handy as a quick-reference
guide as well as a step-by-step procedure guide that
does not require the user to hunt for information.
The level of assembly instructions provided will be
determined by the complexity and of reassembly, and
by the potential for unsafe conditions to arise from mis-
takes made in assembly.
Some instructions may refer to other parts of the man-
ual for subsidiary procedures. This avoids repeating
the same procedure two or three times in the manual.
Model and Serial Numbers
The model and serial number tag can is located in the
back of the mower. See Figure 1.2.
The model number is 12AE764N709.
The model number breaks down as follows:
12.........................self propelled
...A.......................sales level
......E....................type of starter (e = electric)
.........76................deck
.............4N...........engine
..................709.....customer number
The serial number is 11D107B20004.
The serial number breaks down as follows:
1...........................engineering level
.D.........................month of production (D = April)
.....10....................day of the month
.........7..................last digit of the year
...........B................plant it was built in
..............2.............assembly line number
.................0004.....number of unit built
Figure 1.2
Model Number
Serial Number

MAINTENANCE
3
Cleaning
Maintaining any piece of equipment begins with keep-
ing it clean. Any spills such as fuel or oil should be
wiped off promptly. Use a mild detergent and water to
wash the mower.
NOTE: Do NOT use a pressure washer to clean
the mower. It may cause damage to the electri-
cal components or remove lubrication that is
needed in critical areas.
NOTE: Using polishers like pledge on the plastic
components will affect their finish.
Use the Deck Wash System™ to rinse grass clippings
from the underside of the deck and prevent the build up
of corrosive chemicals caused by decaying vegetation
or fertilizers. It should only be done after the deck has
cooled down. Run the cutting deck for 15 minutes after-
wards to dry the deck. After the deck is dry, inject one
squirt of grease in each spindle.
Lubricants
The grease used on this mower should be a high qual-
ity lithium based grease.
A high quality light weight oil such as WD 40 or 3-in-1
oil should be applied to all hinge and rotating points
that are not equipped with grease fittings.
A drop of oil on the steel braid of the cables, where the
enter the cable jacket, will prolong the life of the cables.
Axle shafts
The rear axle shaft coming from the transmission is a
double-D shaft. As required of all double-D axle shafts,
the wheels should be removed once a year and the
shafts coated with anti-seize. See Figure 2.1.
NOTE: Failure to remove the wheels once a
year and lubricating the axle shaft will usually
result in the rim rust welding to the axle shaft.
Figure 2.1
Double-D
CHAPTER 2: MAINTENANCE

MAINTENANCE
4
Front casters
The front caster wheels of the mower are equipped
with two grease fittings. Any grease injected into one
side of the wheel will migrate to the other side. A high
quality lithium grease is recommended. See Figure 2.2.
The front wheel spindles are equipped with grease fit-
tings and should be greased after each season of use
or every 50 hours what ever comes first.
See Figure 2.3.
NOTE: Failure to grease the front wheel spin-
dles could result in poor turning ability.
Spindles
Both blade spindles are equipped with grease fittings.
The spindles should be greased every 50 hours or at
the end of the mowing season which ever comes first.
See Figure 2.4.
CAUTION: Never put more that one squirt of
grease, per servicing, into a spindle. Putting
more that one squirt of grease into a spindle will
result in the bearings being pressed out of the
spindle housing.
NOTE: Blades should be checked on a regular
basis for damage or dulling that has occurred
from regular use.
NOTE: Cutting with a dull or bent blade will
greatly reduce the quality of the cut.
NOTE: Replace any blade that is bent, damaged
or worn beyond the normal sharpening range.
CAUTION: If a blade is bent Do NOT try to bend
it back.
Figure 2.2
Grease fitting
Grease
fitting
Figure 2.3
Grease Fitting
Figure 2.4
Grease fittings

MAINTENANCE
5
Fasteners
Check all fasteners annually for any signs of loosening
or damage.
Excessive vIbration is a primary cause of fatigue fail-
ures. Vibration can loosen fasteners and fatigue metal.
Transmission
The 4 speed peerless transmission has 16 oz.(454 ml)
of 80w-90 gear lube.
The gear lube should not need to be changed unless it
has become contaminated.
Engine
For maintenance and repair procedures, contact the
engine manufacturer.
Emissions
In order to meet the new EPA regulations, there has
been some changes to the fuel system. The fuel tank
is blow moulded and composed of a high density poly-
mer. The fuel cap has a ratchet feature that will prevent
the end user from over tightening it.
The fuel cap is vented through a small hole located in
the top of the inner fuel cap. The air is drawn in through
the gap between the inner and outer fuel cap shells.
See Figure 2.5.
Fuel line
IMPORTANT: This mower uses the Green-bar
low permeation fuel line that is mandated by the
EPA. It minimizes the gasoline fumes that perco-
late into the atmosphere through the fuel line.
Use the same type of line when replacing the
fuel line. See Figure 2.6.
Figure 2.5
Vent
Figure 2.6
Fuel line

Drive system
6
A single belt is used to transfer power from the engine
crankshaft to the input shaft of the transaxle. The left
side control handle and cable operate a tensioner pul-
ley that tightens the belt to engage the drive system
and loosens the belt to de-clutch the drive system.
Gear selection is done by a simple extension arm that
connects to the shift shaft of the transfer case.
Transaxle
The Transaxle is a peerless HMST-204-754, with 4 for-
ward speeds, Neutral and 1 reverse.
The transaxle contains 16 fl oz (454 mL) of 80w90 gear
lube. It should not need to be changed, unless it
becomes contaminated or is drained to disassemble
the transaxle.
Complete service instructions can be found in the
Tecumseh/Peerless Motion Drive Systems handbook,
form #691218.
Drive Belt
To remove/replace the drive belt:
1. Remove the deck as described in the section on
the Drive Engagement Cable.
2. Remove the belt guide that is near the transmis-
sion pulley using two 7/16” wrenches.
See Figure 3.1.
Figure 3.1
Belt keeper guide
3. Remove the belt guide that is near the idler pul-
ley using a pair of 7/16” wrenches.
See Figure 3.2.
4. Loosen the drive belt tension pulley two 9/16”
wrenches. See Figure 3.3.
Fi
g
ure 3.2
Belt guide
Figure 3.3
9/16 Wrench
CHAPTER 3: DRIVE SYSTEM

Drive system
7
5. Slip the belt past the belt guide and work the belt
off of the remaining pulleys.
IMPORTANT: Before installing a new belt, it
must be turned inside out to route the belt prop-
erly.
6. Install the belt following the above steps in
reverse order. For belt routing See Figure 3.4.
7. Install the drive cable by following the above
steps in reverse order.
8. Test run the mower before returning it to service.
Drive Cable
A cable is used to pull the idler pulley to engage the
transmission driving the wheels. This puts tension on
the drive belt allowing it to turn the transmission pulley.
This cable is not adjustable.
To replace the drive cable:
1. Unhook the top Z-fitting from the drive engage-
ment lever. See Figure 3.5.
2. Remove the cable from the cable bracket on the
handle bar using two 1/2” wrenches. Remove
the nut then slide the cable out through the slot
in the bracket. See Figure 3.6.
Figure 3.4
T
ransax
l
e
Engine Pulley
Pulley
Drive
belt
Figure 3.5
Drive cable
Drive engagement cable
Figure 3.6
Drive cable

Drive system
8
3. Remove the deck by following the steps
described in Chapter 4: Deck and lift shaft.
4. Unhook the drive cable from the idler bracket.
See Figure 3.7.
5. Remove the cable from the frame by using two
1/2” wrenches to loosen the jam nuts.
See Figure 3.8.
6. Install the drive cable by following the above
steps in reverse order.
7. Test run the mower in a safe area before return-
ing to service.
Figure 3.7
Drive cable
Figure 3.8
Drive
cable
Brakes
The brake is released by squeezing either or both
levers. The handle on the left hand side will release the
brake when the drive control lever is engaged.
See Figure 3.9.
The handle on the right side is the deck engagement
lever. It will release the brake when it is pressed down,
allowing the mower to cut without the transmission
being engaged. See Figure 3.10.
As a safety feature, when both control levers are
released the brakes will be applied.
NOTE: Because the brake is on an intermediate
shaft in the transaxle, there will still be differen-
tial action. The mower will pivot when the brakes
are applied, but it will not roll,
Figure 3.9
Figure 3.10

Drive system
9
The two cable design allows the operator to mow with-
out engaging the traction (wheel) drive. This is a handy
feature for mowing in tight areas where maneuverabil-
ity is needed. The traction drive can also be engaged
independently of the deck. This is a handy feature for
transport.
The shift rod can be easily moved with a side to side
push from the users hand. To shift from one gear to
another the mower needs to be completely stopped. To
shift the mower into reverse the shifter has to be lifted
and slid to the left. This prevents the mower from being
shifted into reverse accidently.
The brake system used in the Wide Area Mower is
engaged at rest. When either the deck or drive control
is squeezed the brake cable pulls back on the brake
lever on the transmission and disengages the brake.
The brake cables are the lower cables on the engage-
ment handle or closest to the pivot point. See Figure
3.11.
Brake adjustment
1. Raise the rear of the mower at least 18” off the
ground.
2. Safely support mower with jack stands.
3. Squeeze either the deck or traction drive control
to release the brake.
4. Confirm that the caliper is properly assembled
and is in good working condition.
5. Use a spring clamp or rope to hold the handle
down. See Figure 3.12.
6. Insert a .010” -.015” (.254mm -.381mm) feeler
gauge between the brake puck and the brake
disk. See Figure 3.13.
Figure 3.11
Pivot
Point
Brake Cable
Figure 3.12
Figure 3.13
.010-.015
(.254mm-
.381mm)
1/2” wrench

Drive system
10
7. If the brake needs to be adjusted, tighten or
loosen the adjustment nut with a 1/2” wrench,
See Figure 3.13.
NOTE: If the brake is set too tight the mower will
drag and not drive smoothly.
NOTE: If the mower doesn’t stop immediately
after both control levers are released the adjust-
ment may be to loose.
Brake caliper
1. Raise the rear of the mower at least 18” off the
ground.
2. Safely support mower with jack stands.
3. Remove the spring that maintains tension on the
brake. It is attached to the brake engagement
lever and to a spring retainer rod.
See Figure 3.14.
4. Disconnect the brake cables by unhooking the
loop link coupler. See Figure 3.15.
Figure 3.14
Extension Spring
Spring Retaining Rod
Brake
Lever
Figure 3.15
Return spring
Brake cables
loop
link coupler

Drive system
11
5. Remove the two caliper mounting bolts.
See Figure 3.16.
6. Remove the caliper and outboard brake puck.
7. Slide the brake disc off the splined shaft to
expose the inboard brake pad for inspection. See
Figure 3.17.
NOTE: A small amount of good quality lithium
grease should be applied to the splines. Take
care not to get any grease on the brake pads or
the friction surfaces of the rotor.
8. Inspect the brake yoke for signs of corrosion that
may prevent proper movement of pins through
the yoke. See Figure 3.18.
NOTE: The two screws that fasten the brake
yoke have a patch of loctite. Replace them or
apply a small amount of releasable threadlock-
ing compound such as Loctite® 242 (blue)
.
Figure 3.16
Figure 3.17
Brake Disk
Pad
Inboard Brake
Figure 3.18
Actuator Pins
Brake Yoke
Front Brake
Pad
Brake Pad
Plate
Adjustment
Screw

Drive system
12
Brake cables
To replace the cables:
NOTE: These cables are not adjustable.
1. Loosen the lock nuts located on the cable brack-
ets and slide it up the cable. The bracket is
located on the handle bar beneath the dash
panel on both sides of the handle bars.
See Figure 3.19.
2. Pull down slightly on the cable jacket. This will
allow the cable to slide out of the slotted bracket.
See Figure 3.20.
Figure 3.19
Figure 3.20
3. The cable will now be loose enough to slip the z-
fitting from the handle. See Figure 3.21.
4. The brake cables are joined together on a loop
link coupler located under the frame on the left
hand side. See Figure 3.22.
Fi
g
ure 3.21
Brake
Cable
Deck engagement cable
Figure 3.22
Loop Link
Coupler
Brake cable
Eyelets

Drive system
13
5. Loosen the connecting nut of the loop link cou-
pler with a 3/8” wrench to free the eyelets on the
brake cable. See Figure 3.23.
6. Loosen the two lock nuts at the lower frame to
free the cable from the frame. Use a pair of ½”
wrenches. See Figure 3.24.
7. Pull each cable out and down to free the cable
from the frame. The cables can be pulled 1 at a
time through the lowest hole in the punch out.
See Figure 3.25.
NOTE: To remove the upper cable, it is neces-
sary to remove the lower cable.
8. Install the brake cables following the above
steps in reverse order.
9. Test run the mower in a safe area before return-
ing to service.
Figure 3.23
3/8”
wrench
Figure 3.24
1/2” wrenches
Figure 3.25

Drive system
14
Transmission Removal and replacement
1. Loosen wheel bolts using a 1/2” wrench.
2. LIft and safely support mower so that the wheels
are at least 18” off the ground.
3. Remove both rear wheels . See Figure 3.26.
4. Remove the traction drive belt as described on
the tractor drive belt section.
5. Detach the brake cables from the loop link cou-
pler. See Figure 3.27.
Figure 3.26
1/2” hex bolt
Figure 3.27
3/8”
Wrench
6. Detach the lower shift rod from the upper shift
rod using a pair of 1/2” wrenches.
See Figure 3.28.
7. Detach the brake return spring from the spring
tension rod. Use a length of starter rope or spring
puller. See Figure 3.29.
Figure 3.28
1/2” Wrenches
Figure 3.29

Drive system
15
8. Remove the hairpin clip that fastens the spring
tension rod to the transmission. See Figure 3.30.
9. Place a support under the transmission to pre-
vent it from falling.
10. Remove the four transmission mounting bolts.
Using a pair of 1/2” wrenches. See Figure 3.31.
11. Lower the transmission and tilt it forward to
guide it out from under the frame.
12. When the transmission is out of the mower
remove the lower shift rod, spring retention rod,
and extension spring. Install them on the new
Transmission.
NOTE: Bench test the transmission prior to
replacing or shipping to the manufacturer for
warranty. To bench test a transmission with the
transmission out of the mower: move the gear
shifter to each speed position and rotate the
transmission pulley to verify that the transmis-
sion drives or fails to drive.
13. Remove the transmission pulley.
NOTE: When reinstalling the transmission pul-
ley, tighten to a torque of 300 to 400 in lbs (34 -
45 Nm). See Figure 3.32.
14. Install by following the above steps in reverse
order.
15. Test run the mower before returning it to service.
Figure 3.30
Hairpin clip
Figure 3.31
Figure 3.32

CUTTING DECK AND LIFT SHAFT
10
Deck removal
1. Take the deck cover off by removing the three
self tapping screws with a 3/8” wrench.
See Figure 4.1.
NOTE: Early 2007 production used nuts and
bolts to fasten the belt cover on.
2. Slide the cover off of the mower.
3. Lower the deck to the lowest cutting height.
4. Release the tension on the engagement pulley.
Disconnect the spring end of the deck engage-
ment cable from the Idler bracket.
See Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.1
Self Tapping Screws
Figure 4.2
5. Remove the four hairpin clips in the deck lift links
and slide the deck to the left to clear the hanging
pins on the lift links. See Figure 4.3.
6. Remove the belt guide with a pair of 5/16”
wrenches. See Figure 4.4.
7. Remove the deck belt from the engine pulley.
8. Slide the deck out from under the mower.
9. Install the deck by following the above steps in
reverse order.
Figure 4.3
4 hairpin locations
Figure 4.4
5/16” nuts
CHAPTER 4: CUTTING DECK AND LIFT SHAFT

CUTTING DECK AND LIFT SHAFT
11
Cleaning the deck
Clean debris off of the deck every time the deck cover
is removed. It is routine maintenance that will make the
deck easier to work on and prolong the life of the deck
and spindles.
DANGER: Debris build up on the mower deck is
an unsafe condition. The debris traps heat in the
spindles causing damage to the spindle bear-
ings. Debris around the belt can over-heat.
To clean the deck while it is removed:
1. Blow all the debris off of the top of the deck
using compressed air regulated to about 35psi
(2.5 bar).
2. Scrape off the debris build up from the under
side of the deck using a plastic scraper.
NOTE: Applying a light coating of oil to the
underside of the deck after scraping it clean will
help prevent rusting of the deck and help keep
the debris from building up on the underside of
the deck.
Blades
The condition of the blades will greatly effect the quality
of the cut.
The blades should be sharpened and balanced after
every five acres, depending on local conditions. A dull
blade tears the grass instead of cutting it. Torn grass
blades leaves a rough look and makes the grass vul-
nerable to diseases.
Blades need to be examined for damage before sharp-
ening. Blades must be balanced after sharpening to
reduce the vibrations felt from the deck.
Bent blades are a sign of a blade impact. The blades
must be replaced and the spindles inspected for dam-
aged timing belt, pulley, bent shafts and cracked hous-
ings if a bent blade is found.
Synchronized blades and a high vacuum deck shell
design give an exceptionally good cut using OEM
blades.
The cutting deck on this mower is mounted with a slight
rake, meaning that the front of the deck is a 1/4” - 3/8”
lower than the rear of the deck. This is very important
to get the proper air flow in the deck so that the blades
can make the grass blades stand up to get cut.
Air flow in the cutting deck is generated by the spinning
blades. If the blades are mounted upside down, the air
flow will be reversed pushing the grass down instead of
standing up.
NOTE: Blades have the part number and the
word patent stamped on the bottom of the blade.
Blades that are mounted upside down, increase
the risk of impacting an object. See Figure 4.5.
Figure 4.5
Stampings