Adjusting Mower Deck Level

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

Method One

1. Make sure machine is on a flat, level surface.

2. Check that tires are inflated to correct tire pressure. Tire pressure is marked on the side of the tire.

3. Remove rear machine shields (See “Removing and Installing Machine Shields” in the Service Mower section).

4. 
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   107 cm (42 in.) mower deck shown

   Place three short 51 mm (2 in.) blocks of wood under the edges (A) of the mower deck.

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5. Lower mower deck to the 65 mm (2.5 in.) cutting height position.

6. Check that the mower deck is level and lightly touching each of the three wooden blocks.

   1. 
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      If the rear of the mower deck is not touching the rear blocks, or is sitting heavily on the blocks, adjust the rear lift links by turning the leveling nut (B) on each lift link. The blocks should be able to easily slide in and out beneath the mower deck when the mower deck is correctly adjusted.

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   2. 
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      107 cm (42 in.) mower deck shown

      If the front of the mower deck is not lightly touching the front block, adjust the front draft arm by turning the nut (C).

7. Raise the cutting height to the next highest position and remove the three wooden blocks.

8. Turn the nut (C) on the front draft arm counterclockwise 1-2 full turns so that the front of the deck is 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in.) lower than the rear. This adjustment prevents “double cutting,” which wastes horsepower and causes brown grass tips.

Method Two

NOTE: An optional mower deck leveling gauge (AM130907) is available from your John Deere dealer. It allows for precision mower deck leveling by measuring mower deck level at the blade tips.

1. Make sure machine is on a flat, level surface.

2. Check that tires are inflated to correct tire pressure. Tire pressure is marked on the side of the tire.

3. Lower mower deck to the 50 mm (2 in.) cutting height position.

4. With a tape measure or ruler, measure the left rear and right rear edge of the mower deck at points (A). If the two measurements are not equal, turn the leveling nut (B) on each rear lift link to adjust. Repeat procedure until rear corners of the mower deck are level.

5. Measure the front edge of the mower deck directly below the front draft arm hanger at point (A).

   • If necessary, turn the front draft arm nut (C) counterclockwise so the front edge of the mower deck is 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in.) lower than the rear corners of the mower deck.