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I have a craftsman riding mower, model number 247.288851, and am having trouble changing the Deck Engagement Cable, part number 946-04173C.

I have the cable connected to the deck, but am having trouble at the lever end. The pics in the owners manual, and everyplace else I've seen, says the cable should snap into a clip, then into the hole on the lever. I removed the battery and the battery supports to get a good look. I see the hole in the lever, but don't see any clip anywhere.

Does anyone have better pics of where this clip is?

I am happy to answer any questions, or post pics if needed.

Thanks for all help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSXOBQojHgg maybe this video will help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6cKjePhdqw

Thanks for the links. But this is not my mower model.

My Blade Engagement Lever is on the right side, next to my blade height adjustment lever. See pics.

Thanks

Thanks NorthBama. This diagram is in my owners manual, but it doesn't show how to connect the cable.

I think I'm missing the clip for the lever end, but cant find a part number or picture of it. And I have no idea where it would be located.

Thanks everyone for your help. But the problem still exists.

it's just a little metal hook that slides into the hole on the back of the lever. If it's not an OEM cable, it might be a little tough to get in(mine was really tough). I just changed it out yesterday.

Thanks for the reply, but it's the clip I'm looking for. I have attached a pic of the cable, with comments.

I understand the cable slides into the hole on the lever, but where does the cable "clip" into to hold it. If it's not in a clip, it just slides with the lever and no tension is put on it to engage the blades.

Thanks everyone

the craftsman I have has the cable on the dash not the fender. Maybe someone has one like yours. Should be a hole to snap in like on the deck.
try watching this video may help since your craftsman is made by MTD same at this Troy Bilt Bronco
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcwiwzfpFXE
picture at 9:35 on video its really too long for just replacing cable
ok I will do some more work and insert picture from vid

bump

Bump

Anyone?

Mike what you are looking for is a C shaped item that is part of the right rear frame/ fender assembly. Looks like the C on the deck where the cable attaches to the deck but smaller.You may be able to see it when looking up from behind the right axle tube on the inside of the frame. Also removing the battery if under the seat, may give you assess to that item.

You have slide the cable up behind the right rear axle, insert the Z into the deck engagement lever ( removing battery under seat will give somewhat better assess) pull the rubber accordian off of the winged end of the cable, Slide the cable through the opening in the C, snap the wings into place like you do on the deck end and then put the accordian back down on the wing end.

What you are looking for is hard to reach, and even harder to see if you don't know what you are looking for. I did find a picture of what you are needing but it is security protected due to being a dealer only item. the C tab should be located slightly above the right rear axle.

ILEngine, thank you for the in-depth reply. This is a big help. I will get into the project this weekend and post my success, I hope. :smile:

Thanks again,
Mike

Your machine is Not built by AYD for Sears, thus the difference in the cables & location. It is build by the parent company of MTD which builds several brands
for the major sellers, including Sears-the last 5-10 years.

I have an old spare mover with the same setup, I looked several weeks ago, but could not tell how it is hooked up, due to late evening light.
I will in the next few days, take a little more time & look again. I had been sick the last few days, under this 94 Degree weather, here, so I am a little slow for now.
I will post after I look.

Thanks for the reply, Retired Pedler. I've been very busy myself and haven't had time to look into this further. Hopefully, I can get to it this weekend. I'll post my findings.

ILENGINE, the clip is exactly where you said. I connected the cable with little effort, and it works fine.

Thank you for the information and help.

Mike

Not an expert but I have a John Deere L111 with a similar cable. Mine has a bracket a few inches to the left and has a hole and a slot and is where the roundish part goes. It is pretty self explanatory on mine. The bracket is part of the assembly bracket.