Toro LX426 lawn tractor - broken shift rod 747-04146C .... a couple questions

[longhike]

The shift rod 747-04146C is an MTD part and also used on a Cub Lawn Tractor from roughly 2006. I've attached a couple photos. I have the part on order and it looks like I can replace it without dropping the deck. While I'm waiting and cutting the lawn with a push mower I have a couple questions.

There is a small piece of round stock welded in the middle of the rod, does it have a purpose?

The end is threaded and looks like it can be adjusted. Is there any fine tuning to this, or if it goes forward, neutral, and reverse I don't need to mess with it?

thanks in advance!

 

[bertsmobile1]

That is used by some models to force the rod to the neutral position when you put your foot on the brake.
IT is cheaper to make them all the same than to make 2 different ones

And yes you will need to adjust the neutral position when fitted.
Instructions are in the owners handbook .

 

[longhike]

Thanks!

I've looked in the LX426 owners and service manual but didn't find anything on the adjustment. I'll try to locate the Cub manual from that era to see if there's anything in there.

 

[ILENGINE]

The purpose of that welded rod in the middle is to actuate the reverse safety switch to prevent mowing in reverse.

 

[StarTech]

Well if it was a poisonous snake it would have already bitten you. It for grounding the reverse inhibit switch in the pictures

 

[longhike]

Ah! I see it now, that’s very helpful. It was near the switch but since it was broken it was just hanging. I did notice a slight wear along one side, I’ll keep an eye on it when I install the new one.

Kinda’ glad it wasn’t a poisonous snake, those things are creepy.

 

[longhike]

In case anyone is following along and has the same problem, I found a more complete service manual with the instructions for replacing this part: