Adjusting Mower Level

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

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp 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 the correct pressure. (See Checking Tire Pressure in the SERVICE MISCELLANEOUS section.)

3. Position caster wheels to the forward driving position.

4. Set mower to preferred cutting height, and lower deck into the mowing position.

5. Measure mower level (side-to-side).

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      A convenient leveling gauge (A) (AM130907) is available from your dealer.

      Position mower blades as follows and measure from each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.

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   2. 
      MXAL42798-UN-09APR13

      Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold belt and turn right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both blades.

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

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   3. 
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      Adjust mower level, if necessary, by turning rear nuts using tool (E) clockwise to raise the side of the mower deck, or counterclockwise to lower the mower deck. Use a backup wrench to hold the upper portion of threaded rod (F) during adjustment.

      NOTE: Ensure bottom of lock nut is fully engaged on threaded fitting to avoid hardware loosening during operation.

6. Measure mower level (front-to-rear).

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      Turn right blade (D) so a blade tip points straight forward.

   2. Measure from blade tip to the surface. Take measurement for both blades. The front blade tips must be lower than the rear blade tips by the specification listed.

      Item	Measurement	Specification
      Front-to-Rear Blade Tip Variation	Height	3–6 mm (1/8 - 1/4 in.)

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   3. 42A Mower Deck

      
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      Adjust mower front to rear level by loosening rear nut (G) on front lift rod. Turn front nut (H) clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it. Tighten rear nut (G) after adjustment is complete.

      NOTE: Verify that deck will latch in transport position. If it does not latch, turn both rear adjusting nuts counterclockwise equally to lower rear of deck until deck latch will engage. Check front lift rod adjustment, adjust if necessary.

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   4. 48A and 54A Mower Decks

      
      GXT002898-UN-28MAR16

      Adjust mower front to rear level by loosening rear nuts (G) on front lift rods. Turn front nuts (H) clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it. If lift rod is not tight against both deck hooks, tighten loose side until both sides are tight against deck hooks. Shake the deck slightly to ensure that it has settled into position. Tighten rear nuts (G) after adjustment is complete.

      NOTE: Verify that deck will latch in transport position. If it does not latch, turn both rear adjusting nuts counterclockwise equally to lower rear of deck until deck latch will engage. Check front lift rod adjustment, adjust if necessary.