How to Adjust Simplicity Prestige Pedals

Simplicity Prestige garden tractors are manufactured to mow large areas of lawn. Simplicity mowers come in numerous models and are a brand name owned by Briggs & Stratton, which has produced gas engines and outdoor power equipment for more than 100 years. The owner’s manual specifies how often to perform maintenance on your Simplicity mower; however, brake pedals should be checked after every 100 hours of use, or in the spring and fall. Follow your manual’s instructions or see a dealer to adjust your Simplicity Prestige pedals if your own adjustments don't solve the problem.

Screwdriver or socket
Ruler
Wrench
2 boards or wood blocks

Instructions

- 1
  Park your mower on a hard level area, such as concrete.
- 2
  Turn off the PTO -- power take-off -- switch. Depending on the model, this is an electric switch or a lever on the dash. Do not make any adjustments or repairs while the mower’s motor is running. Your Simplicity Prestige engine will also shut off if the operator rises from the seat or if the brake pedal is not fully depressed.
- 3
  Apply the parking brake by fully depressing the brake pedal. Push up on the parking brake knob and then release the brake pedal.
- 4
  Unscrew the steering wheel by prying off a cap or cover plate with a screwdriver or socket. A specialty tool is required on some models to fix alignment issues. Find the adjustment nut and the brake spring underneath. Measure with a ruler the compressed length of the brake spring, which should be 2 1/2 inches long. The spring is easily visible and simple to adjust. Turn the adjustment nut with a wrench to release the spring or compress it to the proper size, if the brake spring is not 2 1/2 inches long.
- 5
  Block the back wheels with boards or wood blocks. Remove the ignition key before beginning a brake or gas pedal adjustment.
- 6
  Remove the mower deck, located between the wheels. Follow the precise manual instructions for your mower, since part locations and instructions can vary between models. On mowers with electric height adjustments, unplug the tractor wire harness from the deck harness before proceeding.
- 7
  Place your mower into its lowest cutting position. Release the tension on the PTO belt located next to the wheels, and release it from the PTO pulley. Pull the lift hooks down to unhook the lift chains.
- 8
  Turn the wheels straight and pull back the spring-loaded lever that will lift the mower hitch off the tractor brackets. The level location varies by model, but should be near the front of the deck. With the wheels turned left, slide the mower deck out of the right side of the mower. Inspect the brake pedals for wear. Check the gas pedals in the same manner.
- 9
  Use a wrench to adjust the brake pedal or gas pedal tension by turning the lever bar hex bolts that hold the pedals in place. Lever arms under the deck attach to the pedals that are secured by the hex bolts.
- 10
  Return your mower deck by reversing the removal process described in Steps 7 and 8. Consult your model's manual for exact instructions. Release the parking brake by fully depressing the brake pedal. Push down on the parking brake knob and then release the brake pedal.

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