Operating

Adjusting Cutting Height

Mower cutting height can be adjusted from approximately 25–127 mm (1–5 in.), depending on the machine. When lift lever is in highest (transport) position, cutting height is approximately 127 mm (5 in.), 114.3 mm (4.5 in.) for AWS.

1. Stop machine on a hard, level surface.

2. Pull back top hydraulic lift lever to raise mower deck to highest (transport) position.

3. Turn cutting height knob to desired cutting height. Mower will be at that cutting height when it is lowered.

4. Push forward top hydraulic lift lever to lower mower deck.

5. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

6. Check that the actual height of cut matches, within 6.35 mm (1/4 in.), the reading on the cutting height knob. If they do not match, adjust mower deck side-to-side and/or front-to-rear.

Adjusting Mower Level (Side-to-Side)

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

• Disconnect spark plug wire(s) or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidently.

• Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Mower deck lift system can be damaged if lift arms are not adjusted correctly. Check adjustment each time mower is installed to allow gap between lift arms and frame stop at full lift height.

NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground when leveling the deck.

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section).

2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

3. Raise mower deck to highest (transport) position.

MX11041

4. Check that the lift arm (A) does not contact the frame stop (B). If needed, adjust yokes (C) on both sides of mower until there is a slight gap of 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) on both sides.

• Remove spring locking pin (D) and drilled pin (E) from each lift arm.

• Turn each yoke (C) clockwise to raise the lift arm.

• Turn each yoke (C) counterclockwise to lower the lift arm.

• Attach each yoke to lift arm with drilled pin (E) and spring locking pin (D).

5. Lower mower deck to level surface.

NOTE: The difference between blade measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.).

6. Turn left blade parallel to axle and complete measurement. Hold drive belt and turn right blade parallel to axle and complete measurements.

MX11181

Picture Note: A convenient leveling gauge (F) is available from your John Deere dealer.

7. Measure from each outside blade tip (G) to the level surface.

MX11041

8. Remove spring locking pin (D) and drilled pin (E) from each lift arm (A).

9. Adjust yoke:

• Turn yoke (C) counterclockwise to lower mower deck.

• Attach yoke to lift arm with drilled pin and spring locking pin.

10. Connect spark plug wires.

Adjusting Mower Level (Front-to-Rear)

NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground during leveling.

1. Lower mower deck to level surface.

2. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

3. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

4. Turn right blade so tip points straight forward.

M40137a

5. Measure distance (A) from front of blade tip to level surface. The difference between front and rear measurements must not be more than 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in).

MX11040a

6. Loosen two rear nuts (B) on front deck hanger.

7. Adjust two front nuts:

• Turn two front nuts (C) clockwise to raise front of mower deck.

• Turn two front nuts (C) counterclockwise to lower front of mower deck.

8. Measure distance (D) from end of nut to end of bolt. This measurement should be the same on each side of the front deck hanger.

9. Tighten rear nuts after making adjustment.

10. Measure blade tips again and adjust front deck hanger if necessary.

11. Connect spark plug wires.

Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The mower deck can be damaged if mower wheels are adjusted wrong: • Wheels must not ride on ground supporting mower weight. • Check wheel adjustment each time cutting height is changed.

1. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

2. Raise mower deck to highest (transport) position and adjust cutting height.

3. Lower deck to mowing position.

4. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section).

NOTE: Bottom of wheels should be approximately 6-13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.) from the ground.

MX11075

5. Pull gauge wheel release rod (A) and position wheel in correct hole (B). See decal located on deck.

Mower Blade Selection

• Standard Blades: Designed for bagging, side discharging and all mowing conditions.

• Mulching Blades: Should be used with the Optional Mulch Kit.

Transporting Machine on Trailer

NOTE: Trailer capacity must exceed combined machine weight and attachment weight (see Specifications section in operator’s manuals).

Be sure trailer has all necessary lights and signs required by law.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! Use extra care when loading or unloading the machine onto a trailer or truck.

• Park trailer on a level surface.

• Use of a trailer with sides is recommended.

• Keep wheels away from drop-offs and edges.

• Back slowly and in a straight line.

• Close fuel shut-off valve, if your machine is equipped.


IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! Transporting a machine on a trailer or on a truck bed at high speeds can result in hood or engine cover raising and possibly coming off machine if not secured. • Position machine on trailer so hood or engine cover opens from rear of trailer to prevent wind from blowing hood or cover open. • Secure hood or engine cover with existing machine locks or latches. • Secure hood or engine cover with tie down straps if no locks or latches exist.

1. Park trailer on level surface.

2. Raise mower deck, if installed, before driving machine onto trailer.

3. Drive forward onto heavy-duty trailer.

4. Lower mower deck completely.

5. Lock park brake.

6. Machines with fuel shut-off: Turn fuel shut-off to off position.

7. Fasten machine at the axle or frame to trailer with heavy-duty straps, chains, or cables. Both front and rear straps must be directed down and outward from machine.

8. Secure hood to prevent from lifting while driving.

About Our Site | Privacy | Legal