Installation and removal

Installation

NOTE: Four-wheel drive and low gear required to install/remove deck. Please refer to the operator's manual before installation and removal for complete instructions and safety information.

To install the 54D and 60D High-Capacity AutoConnect™ Mower Decks, the following steps are required.

1) Set the mower height of cut (HOC) to the install position.
2) Raise handles on the gauge wheels to release the lock.
3) Make sure the deck is on a firm, level surface.
4) Lower the mower lift arm using the rockshaft level control.
5) Slowly drive forward onto the mower deck while using the guide bar to maintain alignment.
6) Continue to drive forward until the latches in rear of deck snap into place.

With AutoConnect power take-off (PTO) connection:
7) Raise the mower deck and change the HOC setting from install position to desired height of cut.
8) Use quick-release pins to lock the gauge wheels at desired mowing height.

With manual PTO connection:
7) Turn off tractor and step down off the tractor.
8) Reach underneath tractor and manually connect the PTO shaft.
9) Raise the mower deck and change the HOC setting from install position to desired height of cut.
10) Use quick-release pins to lock the gauge wheels at desired mowing height.

Removal

NOTE: Four-wheel drive and low gear required to install/remove deck. Please refer to the operator's manual before installation and removal for complete instructions and safety information.

1) Park tractor on a level surface.
2) Release pin on all four gauge wheels making certain rear gauge wheels are in forward position.
3) Set HOC to the install position.
4) Lower mower to ground.

With AutoConnect PTO connection:
5) Flip locking levers forward.
6) Keep left-front tire next to guide bar and backup over deck.

With manual PTO connection:
5) Turn off tractor and step down off tractor.
6) Reach underneath the tractor and manually disconnect the PTO shaft. 
7) Place PTO shaft in holding bracket for transport.
8) Flip locking levers forward.
9) Keep left front tire next to guide bar and backup over deck.

Mid-mower lift system for 1 Family Tractors

Mid-mower lift system
The forward lift link is installed on the deck. It is spring loaded, allowing the link to connect automatically to front hangers (installed on tractor). 

 
The PTO drive-shaft design allows the shaft to automatically adjust as the female end of the PTO coupler engages with the male end of the gearbox coupler. The male end coupler has tapered guides to ensure engagement of both ends.  

Mower decks are equipped with a heavy-duty, double-sided locking latch to ensure rigidity and reliability. 

Mid-mower lift system options
Standard mechanical mower lift 
The standard mechanical mower lift system moves the mower in conjunction with the rear implement and is controlled using the rockshaft lever.   
  
Optional hydraulic mower lift 
The optional hydraulic mower lift system allows the mower to be raised and lowered independently of the rear implements. It uses the dual selective control valve (SCV) (loader joystick) to lift the mower deck.  

  
Optional independent hydraulic mower lift 
The optional independent hydraulic lift system allows the mower to be raised and lowered independently of the rear and front implements. It operates using the third-function button on the loader SCV joystick and gives the operator full control of the mower deck in up and down directions. This feature allows for quick height changes on the go. 

NOTE: This option requires third-function SCV to be installed on the tractor.

Compatible with front/rear implements

54D and 60D High-Capacity AutoConnect™ deck is compatible with rear 3-point hitch attachments, backhoes, and loaders. The operator can keep these extra implements attached while mowing.

1 Series and 2025R tractors are equipped with a dual mid-SCV as standard equipment. The mid-mower hydraulic lift can use the dual SCV (loader joystick), or third SCV (optional), to lift the mower deck, giving maximum flexibility.

Mid-power take-off (PTO) driven

Mowers are driven by the tractor's mid PTO, providing the following advantages:

• Rear PTO remains free to operate rear-mounted implements
• Shaft drive - no belts used to drive the mower
• Faster and easier deck installation than other drive mechanisms

NOTE: To use the mid PTO for other front-mounted attachments, the operator needs to remove the quick-connect drive shaft and rear lift link. Several pins must be removed to allow removing the rear mower mounting linkage from the tractor. No tools are needed.

Mower height adjustment

The height-of-cut (HOC) adjustment is located on the tractor and can easily be adjusted with the turn of the knob.

To install/remove mower deck, the HOC adjustment knob must be set in the install position.

Service and durability

These mowers are designed with many serviceability and durability features. Some of these features are:

• Drive over ramps can be easily removed via bolts for belt service

• Blade spindles and mower drive shaft are greaseable to increase bearing life

• Front lip and trim side of deck are reinforced for added strength

• Plastic chute guard