Troy-Bilt 31/2 HP - Manual (Page 15)

MOWER CONTROLS
Cutting Height Adjusters
There are two cutting height adjusters, one on each
side of the rear end of the cutter bar. These adjusters
are used to raise or lower the blade’s cutting height.
You can adjust the blade’s cutting height from approx­
imately 1
1 / 4 -inch to 5-inches.
To prevent excessive wear on the blade, set both
height adjusters so that the blade is raised off the
ground and will not dig into the ground.
To change the cutter bar’s cutting height;
A CAUTION
Before changing the cutter bar’s cutting height,
shut the engine off, disconnect the spark plug
wire and prevent it from touching the spark plug,
and reinstall the plastic blade protector on the
front of the cutter bar. On electric start models,
also remove the Engine Ignition key from the
key switch.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or
property damage.
1. Move the mower to a flat area such as a paved
driveway or a garage floor.
2. Use a 13 MM wrench (or a '/ 2 -inch or an adjustable
wrench) to loosen the two nuts that hold the halves of
the height adjusters together.
3. Move the rear half of the height adjuster rearward
to raise the cutting height. Move the rear half of the
height adjuster forward to lower the cutting height.
LOWER CUTTING X
HEIGHT HIGHER CUTTING
HEIGHT
Photo 3-2: Adjusting the blade height
4. Hold the rear half of the height adjuster in place
while you tighten the two nuts that you loosened in
Step 2.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the height adjuster
on the other side of the cutter bar. Visually check the
blade to make sure it is parallel to the driveway or
garage fioor. Otherwise the cutting height will be
uneven and you’ll get a sloping cut when you mow.
Handlebar Height Adjustment
You can adjust the handlebars on your mower to
either of two positions. The lower handlebar height is
approximately 36 inches high and the higher handle­
bar height is approximately 38 inches high.
NOTE
The lower handlebars are rubber mounted at
their lower end (to help reduce vibration to the
operator). This may make them feel somewhat
loose, however this is normal.
To adjust the handlebar height:
A caution
Before adjusting the handlebar height, shut the
engine off, allow it to cool, disconnect the spark
plug wire and prevent it from touching the spark
plug. For electric start models, also remove the
Engine Ignition key from the keyswitch.
Failure to do so could result in personal injury or
property damage.
1. Unscrew the handlebar knobs from both sides of
the lower handlebars. Then remove the lockwashers
and handlebar lock clamps.
2. Remove one of the handlebar bolts by pushing it
inward.
3. Use one hand to hold the upper handlebars while
you push the remaining handlebar bolt inward all the
way.
4. Slide the upper handlebars up or down to align
the holes in their ends with the holes in the lower
handlebar.
5. Reinstall the two handlebar bolts, two handlebar
lock clamps, and the two lockwashers.
6 . Place the two handlebar knobs on the handlebar
bolts and very securely tighten them.
&
Photo 3-3: Adjusting the handlebar height 13