turbofiat124
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- Joined
- Mar 23, 2011
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- 288
This maybe common knowledge I don't know.
So the other day I adjusted the valves on my Troy Bilt (MTD) that originally came from Lowes and decided to mow my entire yard with it. It had sat in my yard barn since last spring. I think after the float valve stuck, hydro-locked the engine, caused the valves to get out of adjustment. I'd have to use starting fluid to get the engine started. So I just parked it until I had time to fool with it.
This 17 HP B&S engine has probably less than 100 hours on it. I can't imagine a B&S engine would need a valve adjustment with less than 100 hours on it.
Anyway, I did not buy this mower. I acquired it in a trade. I use it as a spare in case my Sears/Husquvarna breaks and I'm waiting on parts. I don't really like the speed controller after being used to hydro-static shifter/lever and for some reason it hurts my right knee after I mow 4 hours with it even with the seat moved all the way back.
But here's my main complaint. I've used this mower several times before and it has always had a very bad cut. It would scalp the yard especially when making a turn. So I decided to see if I could adjust the deck. I know the blades are OK because I installed a set of new mulching blades on it and few years ago and have never hit anything.
First thing I noticed was on the adjustment side of the deck, there are three holes on each bracket. The side with the adjustment gear was in a different hole so I moved the rod to match the hole as the other side. Seems logical . I don't know why there are three holes. Anybody know why?
Then I had to adjust the "star thing" that is supposed to adjust the deck height. Well it doesn't really do much when turned so I just stuck some wood under the deck and lifted the deck by hand and tightened the center locking bolt. Then used a ruler to check the height on both sides of the deck. I got within 1/8".
The deck still looks like it's pointing downhill. So I turned the front hanger rod about 10 turns and measured the height of the front and back. Now it seems to mow much better but still not as good as my Husquvarna but good enough.
It looks as if some idiot at Lowe's just threw this thing together. Apparently these mowers come in boxes and the distributor is suppose to install stuff like the steering wheel, seat, etc and maybe the deck itself.
Although I did buy mine at Sears, I don't know if they are any better at setting up mowers out of the box than a store that specifically sells lawn equipment. At least when buying from a "real" distributor, the mower is under warranty so they have to level the deck if the customer brings it back and says it's not cutting properly. Lowe's just takes it back and marks it down $200.
This guy hit the nail on the head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NqOQqN3Tlw&t=398s
So the other day I adjusted the valves on my Troy Bilt (MTD) that originally came from Lowes and decided to mow my entire yard with it. It had sat in my yard barn since last spring. I think after the float valve stuck, hydro-locked the engine, caused the valves to get out of adjustment. I'd have to use starting fluid to get the engine started. So I just parked it until I had time to fool with it.
This 17 HP B&S engine has probably less than 100 hours on it. I can't imagine a B&S engine would need a valve adjustment with less than 100 hours on it.
Anyway, I did not buy this mower. I acquired it in a trade. I use it as a spare in case my Sears/Husquvarna breaks and I'm waiting on parts. I don't really like the speed controller after being used to hydro-static shifter/lever and for some reason it hurts my right knee after I mow 4 hours with it even with the seat moved all the way back.
But here's my main complaint. I've used this mower several times before and it has always had a very bad cut. It would scalp the yard especially when making a turn. So I decided to see if I could adjust the deck. I know the blades are OK because I installed a set of new mulching blades on it and few years ago and have never hit anything.
First thing I noticed was on the adjustment side of the deck, there are three holes on each bracket. The side with the adjustment gear was in a different hole so I moved the rod to match the hole as the other side. Seems logical . I don't know why there are three holes. Anybody know why?
Then I had to adjust the "star thing" that is supposed to adjust the deck height. Well it doesn't really do much when turned so I just stuck some wood under the deck and lifted the deck by hand and tightened the center locking bolt. Then used a ruler to check the height on both sides of the deck. I got within 1/8".
The deck still looks like it's pointing downhill. So I turned the front hanger rod about 10 turns and measured the height of the front and back. Now it seems to mow much better but still not as good as my Husquvarna but good enough.
It looks as if some idiot at Lowe's just threw this thing together. Apparently these mowers come in boxes and the distributor is suppose to install stuff like the steering wheel, seat, etc and maybe the deck itself.
Although I did buy mine at Sears, I don't know if they are any better at setting up mowers out of the box than a store that specifically sells lawn equipment. At least when buying from a "real" distributor, the mower is under warranty so they have to level the deck if the customer brings it back and says it's not cutting properly. Lowe's just takes it back and marks it down $200.
This guy hit the nail on the head:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NqOQqN3Tlw&t=398s