flyovrcntry 115 #1 Posted November 1, 2013 Tell me is this the wrong handle,or has it been bent.If I turn it around it hits the footrest and will not go far enough back.If I lengthen the linkage I would have to stand up and lean forward to pivot the blade.As it is it hits the muffler when trying to go forward.I can pull out on it and it will pivot. I just bought this from a guy so I don't know the history.I am really just wondering whats the deal,since the locking wire is about 6" short also. My intention is to heat it and bend it enough to pass the muffler,it kind of looks like it may have been heated at the bend at some time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #2 Posted November 1, 2013 (edited) You have the handle mounted backwards. Take it off, flip it over, The cut-away in the handle is there for it to clear the footpeg bar. You MAY have the wrong lower index bar too. That is, the 1/2" bar to the front quadrant MAY be too short....that would cause the lever to hit the foot-rest. You MAY have to tweek the footrest a little. You can buy the correct 'wire' at any hardware store. Buy a 36" length for about 3 bux. After you get the lever floipped over and the lower 1/2" index bar attached, I can see that the lever would be just about right...that is, the lower portion of it (below the bolt) should be parallel to the tall bracket welded to the frame. This will cause the lever to be tilted forward just a bit, since there is a factory made bend in it...it is supposed to be bent right at the 2" off-set....it looks lit it is twisted a little, and that is correct. That little twist causes the upper portion of the lever to NOT be parallel. here is a pic that may help. Edited November 1, 2013 by daveoman1966 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyovrcntry 115 #3 Posted November 1, 2013 That was my first thought,but when I flip it the cut-out in the handle is out to the long part of the footrest ,not in the cut-out area.It just seemed odd to me,because the handle will be so far forward I will have to stand up and lean forward to pivot the blade. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,841 #4 Posted November 1, 2013 You should have to stretch a little to reach the lever, but not stand up. That is, presuming you are not a 6 year old child. I have a c-160 and the lever does hit the running board...I just bent back the runnng board out of the way...no big deal. Can you post a pic of the handle laving flat on the ground. I'd like to see a better side shot of your tractor and muffler too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,281 #5 Posted November 1, 2013 Take a look at this manual...while not for your 1986...it may give you some ideas to make it work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyovrcntry 115 #6 Posted November 1, 2013 As you can see in the manual they have the handle installed like mine.If I turn it around it's going to take a lot of changes to make it work and it will be awkward to use.I think just a little heat on the bend and pull it out to clear the muffler will be a lot more user friendly.Im not really concerned about being factory correct,if I can make it easier to use. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyovrcntry 115 #7 Posted November 1, 2013 Well I heated it and bent it out a little and I'm happy with it. I really like this tractor. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 23,281 #8 Posted November 2, 2013 I think you made the right decision...it was your muffler that was the real problem. Come on SNOW!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
