How to Put on a Craftsman Deck

Park your Craftsman riding mower on a level surface and apply the parking brake. Slide the mower deck adjustment lever to its lowest setting. Turn the steering wheel to the left as far as it will go to make room to slide the deck under the mower.

Slide the mower deck under the mower from the right side of the machine. Ensure the grass chute is facing the right side and that the deck is centered under the mower.

Place the stud on the mower anti-sway bar into the hole in the deck-lowering mechanism under the right side of the tractor. Insert the stud in the other end of the anti-sway bar into the mounting hole in the top of the deck's right side. Move the bar or deck as needed to get the bar to line up. Place a washer over each stud. Push a spring clip into the small hole in the end of the stud to secure the anti-sway bar in place.

Place the stud in one of the deck suspension arms into the bracket on the rear of the mower. Place the stud in the other end of the arm into the hole in the mower chassis. Place the stud in the lift linkage into the hole in the suspension arm under the tractor. Place washers over the studs and secure them with spring clips. Repeat to attach the opposite side of the deck to the mower chassis and lift linkage.

Rotate the steering wheel so the wheels are facing straight ahead. Insert the stud in the front link bracket into the hole in the mower's front suspension. Insert the stud in the opposite side of the bracket into the hole in the bracket at the front of the cutting deck. Place washers over the studs and secure with spring clips.

Pull back slightly on the belt tension lever on the mower's left side. Slide the lever over to clear the notch in the lever bracket, then let the lever slowyl rotate forward. Slide the deck belt over the pulley under the engine. Pull back on the lever and slide it over to the notch. Release the lever slowly until it rests against the notch.

Raise the deck adjustment lever to its highest setting.