Adjusting Mower Level Using Deck Leveling Gauge - Method 1

CAUTION: 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: 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.

1. Park machine safely on a level surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section).

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Raise mower deck to highest (transport) position by pulling back on upper hydraulic lever.

4. 
   MXAL41812-UN-18FEB13

   Tool box lid has been removed for clarity.

   Remove the mower deck level gauge (A) and exact adjust wrench (B) stored in the tractor tool box (C).

---




5. 
   MXAL41813-UN-18FEB13

   54HC and 60HC decks.

   
   MXAL41814-UN-18FEB13

   48C, 54C, and 62C decks.

   Check that the lift system does not hit the up stop limits prior to full deck height. If needed, adjust yokes on both sides of mower until there is a slight gap of at least 1.6 mm (1/16 in.) on both sides of the tractor between:

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Mower Deck Lift System to Stop Limits	Gap	1.6 mm (1/16 in.) (Minimum)

   • Deck up stop (D) and frame (E) (54HC and 60HC Decks).
   • Lift arms (F) and the frame up stop (G) (48C, 54C, and 62C Decks).

     To Adjust:

   
   

   1. Insert exact adjust wrench (H) into adjustment nut above draft arm.

   2. Turn wrench clockwise to raise lift arm.

   3. Turn wrench counterclockwise to lower lift arm.

---




6. Set the mower height control knob to 2.5, then lower deck against the stop by pushing forward on the upper hydraulic lever.

7. Adjust mower deck gage anti-scalping wheels as necessary so they do not contact the ground surface.

8. 
   MXAL41815-UN-18FEB13

   The location of adjustment points will vary slightly between decks:
   • Two adjustment points (I) are located on the left and right rear of deck rim in front of the rear tires.
   • The third adjustment point (J) is located on the front left deck hanger bracket.
   
   

---

Adjust Mower Level (Side-to-Side):

1. 
   MXAL41816-UN-18FEB13

   Place gauge (A) under the deck at the left rear portion of the rim (B).

---




2. 
   MXAL41817-UN-18FEB13

   54HC and 60HC decks. Left hand side shown

   
   MXAL41818-UN-18FEB13

   48C, 54C and 62C decks. Right hand side shown

   Adjust deck height on left side of tractor until gauge just slips under the deck rim.

   1. Insert exact adjust wrench (C) into adjustment nut (D) above draft arm.

   2. Turn wrench clockwise to raise lift arm.

   3. Turn wrench counterclockwise to lower lift arm.

---




3. Place gauge on the floor under the deck at right rear portion of the rim.

4. Raise or lower the right side of the deck using the exact adjust wrench on the right side of the vehicle.

5. NOTE: If an adjustment of more than 1/8 in. is required, adjust both points alternately. A large adjustment on one side can move the other side in the opposite direction.

   Repeat adjustment as necessary.

Adjust Mower Level (Front-to-Back):

1. 
   MXAL41819-UN-18FEB13

   Place gauge (A) at the third adjustment point under front left deck hanger bracket.

---




2. 
   MXAL41820-UN-18FEB13

   Raise or lower the front of the deck as necessary until gauge just slips under the front deck hanger bracket adjustment point:

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

   2. Turn two front nuts (C) clockwise to raise front of mower deck; turn counterclockwise to lower front of mower deck.

   3. 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.

   4. Tighten rear nuts after making adjustment.

---




3. Return the gauge and exact adjust wrench to their storage positions.