5
Adjustments
Blade Drive Belt Tension
The blade drive belt tension is adjustable by shifting the idler pulleys into different holes on the
arm. Setting the belt with the minimum tension required to drive will increase service life.
Remove the top spindle guard to access the two idler pulleys. The factory setting for the pulleys is
the forward one nearest the inside of the machine and the rear one nearest the outside of the
machine.
As the belt wears and stretches, it can be compensated by shifting the rear idler pulley nearer the
centre. One hole of adjustment will normally be sufficient. Any more than this will result in the belt
not disengaging when the brake is applied and will burn out the belt prematurely.
Wheel Drive Belt Tension
The cables from the operating levers to the drive levers are adjustable at both ends. Stevens
recommend adjusting the top end at the handle. You should not need to adjust the bottom end
ever. If the drive belts are slipping frequently or the levers are pulling right up to the hand grips,
Adjust the nuts to tighten the cable. Check the unit does not drive when in neutral (see ‘Operator
Presence Lever – Neutral Position’).
If replacing the cables, fit the bottom end first with the nuts backed off as far as they can go then
adjust the top end to achieve correct tension.
Gearbox Belt Tension
The gearbox belt is tensioned by a spring idler so no adjustment is necessary.
Periodically check the belt for wear; access is by removing the four bolts holding the rear closure
plate on. Check the idler bearings for free motion at the same time.
Operator Presence Lever - Neutral Adjustment
The operator presence lever can be adjusted by loosening the locknut on the countersunk bolt and
screwing the bolt further in or out as necessary. Winding the bolt further in will tighten the drive
belts and lift the levers higher; winding the bolt further out will slacken the belts and drop the
handles.
The ideal setting is as tight as can be achieved before the belts begin to drive the mower forward
with only the operator presence lever pressed down.
Tyre Pressures
The front tyres are solid rubber and not inflatable.
The rear tyres are pneumatic and should be inflated to 20 PSI. Do not inflate to the maximum
shown on the sidewall of the tyre; this will not be the ideal pressure for this application.
Throttle Cable
Periodically the throttle cable will need adjusting. With the lever pushed all the way to the left the
bottom end of the cable should just activate the rubber cover stop plunger. It will make a small
‘click’ if operating correctly. Full throttle will open the choke for starting. Hard starting may
indicate the choke is not being fully opened. To adjust the throttle, loosen the clamp over the
outer cable sheath at the engine and slide up or down as necessary to get the correct position.
Sliding it up will increase the choke and sliding it down will do vice versa.
