White Outdoor LT-5 User manual

Service Manual
LT-5 - 700 Series Rider
MTD Products Inc - Product Training and Education Department
FORM NUMBER - 769-01415
10/2005
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 2005 MTD Products Inc. All Rights Reserved

Introduction ............................................................................................................................1
Deck Removal .......................................................................................................................2
Deck Details and Updates for 2005 .......................................................................................3
PTO Cable .............................................................................................................................5
Deck Lift ................................................................................................................................6
Hydrostatic Transaxle ............................................................................................................9
Transaxle Control Linkage ..................................................................................................12
Drive Belt: Hydrostatic Drive ...............................................................................................14
Clutch/Brake Linkage : Hydrostatic .....................................................................................16
Parking Brake : Hydrostatic Drive .......................................................................................17
Belt Replacement: Variable Speed Belt Drive .....................................................................18
Speed Control Linkage Adjustment: Variable Speed Belt Drive ..........................................20
Cruise Control/Parking Brake Adjustment: Variable Speed Belt Drive ................................21
Steering ...............................................................................................................................22
Steering Gear ......................................................................................................................25
Pivot Bar ..............................................................................................................................28
Electrical System .................................................................................................................30
Fastener Installation Specs .................................................................................................47
TABLE OF CONTENTS

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. Disclaimer: This service manual was intended
for the use, by trained technicians. The informa-
tion contained in this manual is current and
accurate at the time of writing, but is subject to
change without notice.
1.2. Description: A new step-through rider platform
was introduced for the ‘05 mowing season. It is
designated as the 700 series rider. This series
replaces the 660 through 690 series box frame
riders. The mower depicted in most of this
manual is branded “White”, and designated by
factory #13A2791G790. The mower depicted in
the portion of this manual that covers the vari-
able speed drive system is branded “Troy-Bilt”,
and designated by factory # 13AN779G766. It is
representative of the series. See Figure 1.2.
1.3. Variations: Drive Systems The 700 series is
available with a HydroGear hydrostatic transmis-
sion or a variable-speed pulley system driving a
simple Forward-Neutral-Reverse transmission
manufactured by MTD. The Hydrostatic versions
will have model numbers in the 790 range. Non-
hydro versions have model numbers in the 770
range.
1.4. Variations: Cutting Decks Two decks will be
available on the 700 series platform: 38” (97cm)
designated by an F in the eighth position of the
model number, and 42” (107cm), designated by
a G in the eighth position of the model number.
Figure 1.2
1.5. Variations: Other The 700 series platform will
accommodate a variety of single and twin cylin-
der engines, and a range of styles and brands
will be applied to it. The steel dash panel is
common to all 700 series, and plastic inserts will
be used to match the different hoods used.
1.6. Spotter’s Guide: The 700 series is visibly simi-
lar to the existing step-through platform 600 and
610 series lawn tractors, but there are substan-
tial differences.
•Drive System: Hydro The 790 series de-
clutches the traction drive belt when the clutch/
brake pedal is depressed, without moving the
fender-mounted transmission control lever. In
contrast, the 610 series hydro is controlled by a
foot-operated rocker pedal. The operator of the
610 series must remove their foot from the
rocker pedal to apply the brake. The rocker
pedal is spring-loaded to return to neutral.
• Drive System: Non-hydro The 770 and 600
series transmission are both operated by a gear
selector lever on the right fender. Ground
speed is controlled by a clutch/brake pedal on
the left side of the 770. Ground speed is con-
trolled by an automotive style drive pedal and a
separate brake pedal on the right side of the
tractor on the 610 series. The variable speed
pulley principal is the same, but pedal operation
is reversed.
• Deck Engagement: The PTO belt is engaged
on the 700 series using a lever on the right
fender. The 600 series uses a dash-mounted
lever or an electric PTO clutch.
•Decks: While the 700 series accepts only an F
or G deck, the 600 series will accept a variety of
decks that include 46” (H deck), 50” (P deck).
Both series have Fast-Attach TM decks, but the
600 series has “J” pins to connect the rear of the
deck, while the 700 series decks are secured
directly to the lift rods and lift links by locking
internal cotter pins (“hairpin clips” that resemble
a bow-tie in configuration).
700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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2. DECK REMOVAL
2.1. The engine should be turned off long enough for
the exhaust system to cool before starting work.
2.2. The controls should be in the following positions:
PTO lever: OFF Deck height: lowest position
2.3. Remove the crankshaft pulley belt keeper using
a 1/2” wrench. See Figure 2.3.
NOTE: The belt keeper doubles as the deck up-
stop.
NOTE: The correct place for the pin-end of the
belt keeper is the small hole in the right frame
channel, roughly in-line with the crankshaft.
2.4. Remove the hairpin clips that secure the deck lift
rods to the cutting deck and the deck lift links.
See Figure 2.4.
2.5. With the deck on the ground, the lift rods can be
reconnected to the lift links. This will enable the
rods and links to be moved out of the way by lift-
ing the deck height lever. See Figure 2.5.
2.6. Working from the right side of the tractor,
remove the hairpin clip that secures the PTO
cable housing to the bracket on the deck. Sepa-
rate the cable from the bracket. See Figure 2.6.
NOTE: There is a small plastic spacer that fits
between the hairpin clip and the bracket
2.7. Unhook the PTO cable spring from the idler pul-
ley bracket, and move the cable out of the way.
NOTE: Some early production units were
equipped with a brake rod that passed above the
PTO cable spring. On these models it is neces-
sary to disconnect the brake rod before remov-
ing the spring.
Figure 2.3
Contact point
Belt keeper
Figure 2.4
New locking hairpin clips
secure lift rods to lift links
and cutting deck
Figure 2.5
Lift rod reconnected
Figure 2.6
PTO Cable
Bracket
Hairpin clip

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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2.8. Slide the deck forward slightly, and slip the PTO
belt off of the crankshaft pulley.
2.9. Because of angular interference between the
inside angle of the front deck support rod and
the hooks on the front of the deck, the following
manipulations will ease deck removal:
See Figure 2.9.
• Align the rod with the slot in the left side of the
bracket on the deck.
• Pivot the rod up on the left side to clear the slot.
• Move the deck forward slightly so that the right
side (cold-headed end) of the rod may be lifted
out of the right side bracket on the deck.
2.10. Reverse the removal process to install the deck.
Test the operation of the mower and it’s safety
features before returning it to service.
NOTE: Using a length of 2X4 dimensional lum-
ber, or similar object to support the front edge of
the deck will make it easier to connect the deck
lift rods and deck lift links.
Figure 2.9
Left side slot
Cold-headed end
3. DECK DETAILS AND UPDATES FOR 2005
3.1. The front deck support rod is easily removed by
slipping it forward until the coined spot slips
through the opening in the bracket that supports
it. See Figure 3.1.
• The nut and jam nut are used to make and
secure fore / aft deck level adjustment using a
pair of 3/4” wrenches.
• The deck should be set slightly nose-down:1/4”
(1.27cm) to 3/8” (1.9cm) to maintain vacuum
beneath the deck, improving cutting perfor-
mance.
• Measurement is made from blade-tip to ground,
with the blades oriented front-to-back.
• Slots are provided in the muffler cover for easy
removal of the rod.
• The hemispherical pivot cup nestles in a recess
in the front of the bracket.
• Side-to-side leveling is accomplished using a
pinion gear and clamp screw on the left-rear
deck hanger bracket. The deck should be set
level from side-to-side, as measured from the
blade tip to the ground with the blades oriented
end-to-end. Adjustment is made using a 1/2”
wrench and a 1 1/4” wrench.
Figure 3.1
Front deck
support rod
Pivot cup

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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3.2. The hooked side of the front deck support rod
belongs on the left. This is important because
there is a slight bend in the rod. The rod needs
to angle down to clear the steering tie-rod before
extending back to meet the deck.
See Figure 3.2.
3.3. The re-configured brake rod now uses a short bit
of 5/16” fuel line as a damper. See Figure 3.3.
3.4. The blade brake pads are attached at a slight
angle to prevent chatter on PTO disengagement.
3.5. The 42” deck has a fixed idler pulley to provide
better wrap on the left spindle pulley, and a ten-
sioner pulley to tighten the belt. See Figure 3.5.
3.6. The 38” deck has a shorter belt, and a single
tensioner pulley to tighten the belt.
See Figure 3.6.
Figure 3.2
Coined flat spot
Note bend in rod compared to straight-edge
Figure 3.3
Angled
brake pad
Damper
Figure 3.5
Figure 3.6

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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4. PTO CABLE
4.1. The deck engagement lever is supported by a
two-piece bushing under the right fender.
See Figure 4.1.
4.2. The return spring can be removed from the
inside of the lever using a hooked tool, with the
PTO lever in the OFF position.
4.3. The PTO cable can be removed from its bracket
by squeezing the barbs to release it. Once
released, there will be enough slack in the cable
to unhook the Z-fitting from the PTO lever.
See Figure 4.3.
Figure 4.1
Deck
engagement
lever
Figure 4.3
Barbed end
Hook tool
Z-Fitting
4.4. The bushing is easily replaced by simply unbolt-
ing the two halves using a 3/8” wrench.
See Figure 4.4.
NOTE: The washer and hairpin clip have been
removed here for the sake of visibility.
NOTE: The lever itself is difficult to replace with-
out removing the fender.
4.5. The cable is properly routed behind the trans-
mission to reach the left side frame channel,
where it is secured by a clip. See Figure 4.5.
4.6. From there, the cable reaches forward, secured
beneath the foot-pad on the fender by a hairpin
clip and bracket similar to the deck-end mount-
ing.
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Note cable routing

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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5. DECK LIFT
5.1. In an advancement over the box-frame design,
the deck height and engagement functions are
isolated from one-another.
5.2. The deck lift control, located on the right fender,
rotates a cross-shaft and two slotted bell-cranks
(lift shaft assembly) that draw up and back on
the deck lift rods. See Figure 5.2.
NOTE: The slotted configuration of the bell-
crank arms suspends the deck, yet allows it to
float upward as the anti-scalp wheels encounter
bumps.
5.3. The the deck lift links are distinct from left to
right: there are two different part numbers.
See Figure 5.3.
NOTE: Lift link position and orientation.
5.4. The bushings that support the lift shaft assembly
are easily replaced. See Figure 5.4.
• Remove the cutting deck, or support it using
2”X4” dimensional lumber or similar, to relieve
the weight from the linkages.
• Lift and safely support the back of the tractor.
• Remove the rear wheels using a 1/2” wrench
(not absolutely necessary, but eases access).
• Remove the “E” clips from the shaft, and replace
the bushings one at a time.
• Reverse the removal process to install deck lift
shaft assembly bushings.
5.5. If it is necessary to remove the lift shaft assem-
bly, the job can be done without removing the
fenders.
Figure 5.2
Deck lift lever
Bellcrank (right side)
Lift rod
Lift-shaft
bushing
Figure 5.3
Left-side has flat at front
Embossed ridge faces inboard,
away from frame channel
Figure 5.4
E-clip
retaining ring
Hex bushing

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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5.6. Preliminary steps: See Figure 5.6.
• Remove the cutting deck.
• Disconnect and remove the battery.
• Remove the handle from the deck lift lever.
5.7. Remove the transaxle control linkage, complete
with the brackets that support it, as described in
the “TRANSAXLE CONTROL LINKAGE” section
of this manual. See Figure 5.7.
5.8. If the deck lift rods have been re-connected to
the deck lift links to provide clearance for sliding
the cutting deck out from under the tractor, dis-
connect them.
NOTE: The deck lift rods are interchangeable
left-to-right, but it is important to maintain the
correct orientation.
Figure 5.6
The old blow-gun trick
Figure 5.7
Unbolt transaxle
control linkage
here
NOTE: The stepped “bow” in the middle goes
outboard, riding against the transaxle control
brackets.
5.9. Remove the bushings that support the lift shaft
assembly. See Figure 5.9.
NOTE: Use care not to damage the cooling fan
when removing the lift shaft assembly. The shaft
is in close proximity to the fan, and worn bush-
ings may reduce the fan/lift shaft clearance to a
negative figure.
5.10. Remove the notched plate that surrounds the lift
lever using a T-40 Tor-X driver. See Figure 5.10.
Figure 5.9
Bushings
removed
Figure 5.10
Notched plate

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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5.11. Slide the lift shaft to the right, so that the left end
clears the opening in the frame that the hexago-
nal bushing fits in.
5.12. Maneuver the left side lift rod out of the curved
slot in the lift-shaft arm, and up through the bat-
tery opening. See Figure 5.12.
5.13. Rotate the lift shaft arms up and back so that the
right side lift rod can be removed.
See Figure 5.13.
5.14. Once the lift rods are removed, the lift shaft can
be withdrawn, complete with the lift lever, out the
opening beneath the left fender.
See Figure 5.14.
5.15. On the bench, the lift lever can be rotated in its
mounting hole in the lift shaft assembly to relieve
the torsion spring tension and align the coined
“ears” on the lever with the notches in the
bracket, so that it may be removed.
See Figure 5.15.
Figure 5.12
Left side lift rod
Figure 5.13
Right lift rod
Figure 5.14
Withdraw lift shaft
Figure 5.15
Ears
Notches

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
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5.16. Installation notes: See Figure 5.16.
• Slide the lift shaft assembly into the frame
through the opening in front of the wheel.
• Position the lift lever through the opening in the
right fender.
• Install the lift rods onto the arms on the lift shaft,
from the inside-out.
• Confirm that the right side lift rod passes above
and in front of the lever and the end of the lift
shaft.
• Insert each end of the lift shaft assembly through
the hexagonal openings in the frame.
• The remainder of the assembly is simply matter
of reversing the removal process.
• Check deck for side-to-side levelness and cor-
rect fore-aft adjustment of 1/4”-5/16” (6.35-8.00
mm) lower at the front, as measured at the blade
tips.
• Confirm correct operation of the blades and all
tractor safety features before returning the trac-
tor to service.
Figure 5.16
6. HYDROSTATIC TRANSAXLE
6.1. A Hydro-Gear model 348-0510 transaxle drives
the hydrostatic transmission equipped 790
series. See Figure 6.1.
6.2. If a warrantable problem occurs in the first two
years of service, the transaxle will be replaced
as a unit by an authorized White dealer, return-
ing the transaxle to MTD for vendor recovery. It
may also be repaired by a Hydro-Gear autho-
rized MTD dealer under the Hydro-Gear war-
ranty.
6.3. If any non-warranty hydrostatic transaxle ser-
vice is required, it can be performed by a White
or Hydro-Gear authorized MTD dealer. These
transmissions are feasible to repair, and the
repair / replace decision is left to the judgement
of the shop and the customer.
6.4. These transaxles frequently last the life of the
tractor with no need for service. To help increase
the life of the transaxle:
• Clean off accumulated mud or debris to aid cool-
ing.
• Avoid using a pressure washer, as it may force
water past the seals, contaminating the fluid.
• Remove the rear wheels annually, clean the
axles, and apply a fresh coating of anti-seize
compound.
• Keep linkages and brakes properly adjusted.
• Replace the cooling fan promptly if it gets dam-
aged.
• In normal service, do not attempt to drain and fill
the transaxle. There is no drain plug.
Figure 6.1

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
10
6.5. Access to the fill plug can be gained by removing
the battery and the tray that supports the battery.
See Figure 6.5.
• Disconnect the negative (black) cable first, and
reconnect it last when the battery is reinstalled.
• After both cables are removed using a pair of 7/
16” wrenches, remove the battery hold-down.
• Carefully lift-out the battery.
• Remove the battery tray.
6.6. Customers and unfamiliar technicians may
attempt to add or check the fluid level at the vent
cap on the plastic over-flow reservoir.
See Figure 6.6.
6.7. After a thorough cleaning, to prevent contamina-
tion of the fluid, the fill plug can be removed
using a 1/4” allen wrench. See Figure 6.7.
6.8. Between 5 deg. - 100 deg. f (10 deg. - 38 deg.
c), the fluid level should be 1” - 1.25” (2.54cm -
3.18cm) from the top of the housing.
Total capacity is .600 - .632 gal. (2271ml -
2391ml) of 20W-50 motor oil having an API clas-
sification of SH/CD.
6.9. The transaxle must be removed and inverted to
drain the fluid out.
6.10. After a fluid change, purge the system and top-
up the fluid to the correct level:
• With the engine at idle speed, and the by-pass
valve open, slowly cycle the control lever from
full forward to full reverse positions 5 or 6 times.
• Check fluid level, close the by-pass valve, and
repeat the previous step. When the transaxle
operates normally, without excessive noise, the
purge process is complete; all the air is out of
the system.
• Air in the system will cause a “growling” noise,
and sluggish performance.
6.11. In normal service, fluid replacement should not
be necessary, but in the event of fluid contami-
nation or degradation, it can be done.
Figure 6.5
Figure 6.6
Expansion tank
Vent cap
Check/fill plug
Figure 6.7
20W-50

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
11
6.12. The by-pass valve and brake are visible beneath
the right side frame channel. See Figure 6.12.
•Theby-pass valve is open when the by-pass
rod and lever are back. It is closed for normal
operation when the rod and lever are at the for-
ward end of their travel.
• An open by-pass valve will disable the transaxle.
• Open the by-pass to push the tractor.
•Thebrake is properly adjusted when a .015”
(.381 mm) feeler gauge will slip between the pad
and the rotor.
• Brake adjustment is made by removing the cot-
ter pin from the castle-nut and rotating the nut to
tighten or loosen the clearance between the
pads and the rotor. There is no linkage adjust-
ment.
•Replace the cotter pin with a new one after
making any brake adjustment.
•Atight or stuck brake can cause symptoms
similar to low fluid: noisy operation and sluggish
performance. In addition to these symptoms,
the brake will become extremely hot, and the
rotor will become discolored.
Figure 6.12
By-pass valve Brake rotor
Brake
caliper
6.13. The brake rod pulls on a spring that is hooked to
the cam-arm on the brake caliper. The cam-arm
forces two pins inward against a backing plate
and brake pad. The pad forces the floating rotor
against a second pad located behind the rotor.
The pinching action creates the friction neces-
sary to stop or hold the tractor.
6.14. A return spring pulls the cam arm back to relieve
the friction when the brake pedal is released.
See Figure 6.14.
6.15. Slightly above and behind the brake assembly is
the friction pack. The friction pack maintains a
set amount of resistance in the control linkage:
See Figure 6.15.
• Too much resistance may raise control effort to
an unacceptable level. This would be caused by
an over-tightened nut on the friction pack.
Figure 6.14
Return spring
Cam arm
Brake rod
Extension spring
Figure 6.15
Friction pack

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
12
• Too little resistance may allow the linkage to drift
back to neutral, particularly when ascending a
grade conforming to the 15 degree description in
the Operators Manual. This condition may indi-
cate that it is necessary to tighten the friction
pack nut slightly.
6.16. The factory setting on the friction pack is to
torque the nut to 100 in-lbs (11.3 n-m), then back
the nut off one full turn (360 deg.).
6.17. This setting should result in about 5 lbs (2.67
kg.) of resistance in the lever, measured as near
the end of the lever as possible.
See Figure 6.17.
NOTE: A belt tension checker such as that man-
ufactured by Browning is useful for checking
control resistance.
7. TRANSAXLE CONTROL LINKAGE
7.1. The lever that controls the ground speed and
direction of travel is located on the right rear
fender.
7.2. The lever rotates a cross-shaft and bellcrank.
An adjustable rod connects the bellcrank to the
input arm on the left side of the transaxle.
See Figure 7.2.
7.3. The input arm on the transaxle will return to neu-
tral when the rod is disconnected. The rod
length should be adjusted so that the neutral
position of the control lever on the fender corre-
sponds with neutral position of the input arm.
• If mis-adjusted, the tractor will “creep” in neutral,
or lurch as soon as the brake is released, even
though the control lever is in neutral.
• If one end of the rod is disconnected, with the
control lever in neutral, the centering action of
the input arm should not draw the end of the rod
a way from the hole it connects to.
• Lengthen or shorten the rod as necessary to
adjust, by threading it into or out of the ferrule.
• Reconnect the rod and test the operation of the
linkage and the tractor’s safety features before
returning the tractor to service.
Figure 6.17
Measuring control
force
Figure 7.2
Bellcrank Cross shaft
Adjustable rod
Input arm

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
13
7.4. The pitch on the threads of the rod is 16 threads
per inch. If an adjustment of less than 1/16” is
needed, the bolts that secure the mounting
bracket to the frame can be loosened slightly for
adjustment. See Figure 7.4.
• The bracket can be budged one way or the
other, within the amount of travel allowed by the
bolt holes in the frame, to effect an adjustment.
• Once adjustment has been made, tighten the
bracket bolts.
7.5. If the control lever develops enough play that it
becomes imprecise, the plastic hex bushings
that support the cross shaft are easily replaced.
See Figure 7.5.
• Remove the “E” clip and flat washer from the
shaft.
• Remove and replace the bushing.
Figure 7.4
Bracket
bolts
Adjustment
Figure 7.5
Hex bushing
Flat washer
E-ring
Cross shaft
Fan
7.6. If it is necessary to remove the cross-shaft and
control lever: See Figure 7.6.
• Remove the handle from the lever using a blow-
gun.
• Lift and safely support the back of the tractor.
• Remove the rear wheels using a 1/2” wrench.
• Disconnect the rod from the bellcrank to the
input arm.
• Remove the bushings - or - unbolt the brackets
from the frame.
7.7. The control lever and cross shaft assembly can
then be maneuvered out from under the fender.
See Figure 7.7.
Figure 7.6
Figure 7.7

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
14
7.8. The cross shaft, control lever, and torsion spring
can be disassembled on the bench.
See Figure 7.8.
7.9. Rotate the lever to relieve tension from the tor-
sion spring, and align the coined “ears” on the
lever with the slots that they pass through in the
cross shaft assembly. See Figure 7.9.
7.10. Install by reversing the removal procedure.
Replace any worn parts and test-run the mower
to confirm proper function before returning it to
service.
8. DRIVE BELT: HYDROSTATIC DRIVE
8.1. To remove the transaxle drive belt, begin by
removing the cutting deck and the front deck sta-
bilizer link. The procedure in the operator’s
manual or the procedure described in the “DECK
REMOVAL” section of this manual will provide
some guidance, if necessary.
8.2. Set the Parking Brake.
8.3. Remove the crankshaft pulley using a 5/8”
wrench. See Figure 8.3.
8.4. Pulley Hardware: The pulley is secured by a
bolt, lock washer, and a heavy flat washer. A
spacer is positioned above it on the crankshaft,
with the top edge radius matching the step in the
crankshaft. The key is integral with the stack
pulley. See Figure 8.4.
Figure 7.8
Figure 7.9
To relieve tension
Figure 8.3
Belt keeper
screws and
spacers
Belt keeper tabs
Figure 8.4
Bolt Lock washer Stack pulley Spacer
Flat washer towards engine)
(Rounded shoulder

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
15
8.5. Release the parking brake.
8.6. Loosen, but do not remove the nut that secures
the drive belt tensioning pulley to the tensioner
bracket using two 9/16” wrenches.
See Figure 8.6.
8.7. With the pulley loosened slightly, the belt will slip
off between the lip of the pulley and the belt
keeper.
8.8. Disconnect the battery, and remove it from the
tractor.
8.9. Remove the tray that supports the battery. This
will reveal the cooling fan and pulley on top of
the hydrostatic transaxle. See Figure 8.9.
8.10. Remove the three screws that secure the fan to
pulley using a 5/16” driver.
Figure 8.6
Stationary idler pulley
Tensioning pulley
Figure 8.9
Screws
holding fan
to pulley
8.11. Loosen the pulley using a 3/4” wrench, and lift
the pulley far enough to slip the belt by the belt
keeper tabs and screws. See Figure 8.11.
8.12. Belt installation is basically the reversal of the
removal process. On installation:
• Confirm correct belt routing inside of all the
keepers and through all of the guide pins.
• Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to
the engine crankshaft before installing the crank-
shaft pulley.
• Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to a torque of
37.5-50 ft-lb (51-68 Nm).
• Tighten the transaxle pulley nut to a torque of
30-43 ft-lb (41-59 Nm).
• Confirm proper operation of the brake/clutch
linkage before installing the cutting deck.
Figure 8.11
Belt keeper tabs
Belt keeper screws

700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
16
9. CLUTCH/BRAKE LINKAGE : HYDROSTATIC
9.1. Application of the clutch / brake pulls on the rod
that actuates the cam arm on the brake caliper,
and pivots the tension pulley bracket away from
the belt, creating slack. See Figure 9.1.
9.2. One spring, reaching rearward from the bracket,
works against the pedal. This spring tensions
the belt when the pedal is released.
• Failure of this extension spring will cause a loss
of drive and reduced belt life.
• A bracket that does not pivot because of dam-
age, binding, or corrosion will cause loss of drive
and reduced belt life.
9.3. A lighter extension spring, reaching forward from
the arm on the pedal shaft maintains slight pedal
pressure until the rear spring comes into play.
See Figure 9.3.
9.4. If it is necessary to remove the brake pedal
assembly (cross shaft), the process is very sim-
ple and the parts are easy to reach.
See Figure 9.4.
NOTE: This procedure may be necessary if the
pedal assembly cross-shaft or the pedal support
brackets exhibit wear after extended use.
• Remove the cutting deck to gain access to the
linkage.
• Mark or make note of the linkage connections
and orientations relative to the brake pedal
assembly.
• Disconnect the extension spring that reaches
forward from the brake pedal assembly
• Remove and discard the cotter pins that secure
the brake rod and the tensioner pulley control
rod to the brake pedal assembly. Disconnect the
rods.
• Remove the pedal support brackets from the
frame using a 1/2” wrench, and lower the pedal
assembly out of the tractor.
9.5. Brake pedal assembly installation can be
accomplished by reversing the removal process.
NOTE: Use new cotter pins on reassembly.
NOTE: Confirm correct operation of the brake /
clutch pedal mechanism before returning the
mower to service.
Figure 9.1
Brake
Tensioner
de-clutches belt
ON
Figure 9.3
Clutch / brake pedal
return spring
Figure 9.4
Brake pedal assembly