Lastec The Articulator 3696H, Owner'S Manual, Page: 49 / 86

Initial Set-Up
Mower Deck Height
Initial Set-Up Lastec//021819 3-19
3
3.23 Mower Deck Height
Caution
CAUTION!

NEVER attempt to change the cutting deck height while the engine is running!
The Articulator 3696H/M has a mower deck height range of 1" to 4 1/2”, in 1/4” incre-
ments. If you wish to change the deck height, do so before attempting to operate the
Articulator.
The mower deck height adjustment lever has one (1) permanently fixed spacer, and six-
teen (16) adjustable spacers, each equal to 1/4” of deck height adjustment. The deck is at
its minimum height of one (1) inch when only the fixed spacer is in front of the lever lock
bracket. Each adjustable spacer on the adjustment lever that is placed in front of the lock
bracket raises the deck height by 1/4”, up to 4 1/2”. The spacers which mark the 2", 3",
and 4" deck height positions are knurled for quick identification.
To adjust the deck height, push the deck height control valve (located behind the control
box) forward to remove the tension from the deck height adjustment lever, allowing the
spacers to move freely along the lever. This motion will also temporarily raise the deck.
While maintaining tension on the control valve, raise the hand lever from the locking
bracket and adjust the spacers to the desired height setting. Each spacer placed in front
of the lock plate will indicate an additional 1/4” of deck height. When the desired height
setting is reached, place the hand lever back into the locking bracket to secure the spac-
ers in place. Slowly release the control valve, replacing the tension to the adjusting lever.
Be sure to keep fingers away from the locking bracket.
This sets all the decks on the 3696H and the center deck for the 3696M . To set the
remaining decks on the 3696M, turn the spacer locking knob counter-clockwise on the
height adjustment lever on the rocker arm of each deck, until the spacers and lever are
loose. Raise the lever from the locking bracket and adjust the spacers to the desired
height setting. Each spacer placed in front of the lock plate will indicate an additional 1/4”
of deck height. When the desired deck height setting is reached, place the lever back into
the locking bracket and turn the spacer locking knob clockwise until the spacers are tight.
Avoid trapping fingers between the spacers and the lock plate during adjustment.
Repeat process on all deck height adjusting rods.