3206 Forward Linkage Adjustment

carhopper · #1 10-25-2012, 12:32 PM

The only lingering issue on my 3206 was that the forward motion seemed very slow. I decided to clock the speed with my GPS today and it was 3.7mph. That's pathetic, no wonder it takes me over 1.75 hours to mow 1.8 acres when my JD Z425 could do it in 45 minutes if I push it.

I read a little bit on this forum (thanks guys) about how to adjust the forward motion. I started by adjusting the easy one where the pedals connect. Reverse was a creep, but forward was still only 4.2mph. Then I put the tractor on ramps and found the center adjuster. With the pedals in a neutral position, simply loosen the (2) 3/8" bolts and pull the 2 pieces together just enough to take out the slack, that way you maintain neutral without creeping. This pulled my pedals out of whack so I readjusted the top adjuster to make the pedals even.

Weeeeeee, now I'm getting 6.1mph, and reverse creeps but that's fine. It feels like a new tractor.

carhopper · #2 10-25-2012, 01:26 PM

This keeps getting better. I read a little more on the forum and some people have reported slow speeds due to throttle linkage being misadjusted. I checked mine out, and indeed it didn't even start pulling the throttle on the carb until mid position. I adjusted the slack out of it, and now I'm getting 7.2mph. Now that's fast enough for me in a hilly bumpy yard so I'm done. I did read though that the GT3200 series is supposed to get 8mph, but mine isn't the newer GT. That might be down hill, who knows.

JayJay · #3 10-25-2012, 09:06 PM

CarHopper: I'm happy for you! Isn't it great when a plan comes together and you discover some un-tapped potential from your machine by simply reading the manual? That's what I call some low-hanging fruit, but sweet none-the-less.

jsoluna · #4 10-26-2012, 10:20 AM

As for your reverse issue:

Replace the nylon flange bushings on the reverse linkage. Lots of slop there causes an abysmally slow reverse speed. Glad you got the forward speed all dialed in.

carhopper · #5 10-26-2012, 10:37 AM

I'm glad you said that, you're absolutely right. The slop prevents the reverse pedal from fully deflecting the lever. I didn't know there was a nylon flange so I thought it was pointless. Maybe my flange is missing completely, but I'll certainly look into it.

jsoluna · #6 10-26-2012, 02:09 PM

Its very likely that the nylon bushings are worn so bad that it's metal on metal now. There's two different nylon bushings you'll need:

Reverse Bushings (Large) 941-3074 req(2) 2.15
Reverse Bushings (Small) 941-3073 req(3) 2.38

Dave01 · #7 10-27-2012, 11:24 AM

If you are able to mow at 7 mph you've got some seriuosly good blades on there! I don't know exactly what speed I mow at but probably more like 4 mph in low grass, 3 mph in higher grass.

The 3000 pedal linkage seems to rarely be adjusted correctly from the dealer, but luckily is pretty easy to dial in.

jsoluna · #8 10-27-2012, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave01

If you are able to mow at 7 mph you've got some seriuosly good blades on there! I don't know exactly what speed I mow at but probably more like 4 mph in low grass, 3 mph in higher grass.

No doubt. I mow WAY slower than that too. Whatever you've done to that deck to have it cutting that well, take note!

carhopper · #9 10-28-2012, 09:10 AM

I'm not cutting at 7mph except in long stretches that don't have thick grass. I just needed to be able to speed up through those areas. The parts have been ordered for the reverse pedal, thanks.

carhopper · #10 11-01-2012, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsoluna

Its very likely that the nylon bushings are worn so bad that it's metal on metal now. There's two different nylon bushings you'll need:

Reverse Bushings (Large) 941-3074 req(2) 2.15
Reverse Bushings (Small) 941-3073 req(3) 2.38

The bushings were worn through in a couple of places. I replaced them today and reverse is fully restored while maintaining forward speed. Thanks again.