Adjusting Mower Level Using Deck Leveling - Method 2

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. 
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   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).

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5. 
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   50HC and 60HC decks.

   
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   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 the gap meets specifications on both sides of the tractor between:
   • 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).

     Item	Measurement	Specification
     Mower Deck-to-Up Stops	Gap	at least 1.6 mm (1/16 in.)

   
   

   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.

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6. Set the mower height control knob set at 2.5, then lower deck against stop.

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

Adjust Mower Level (Side-to-Side):

1. Turn left blade parallel to axle.

2. Hold drive belt and turn right blade parallel to axle.

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

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

   Measure distance from each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.

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4. NOTE: If an adjustment of more than 1/8 in. (3 mm) is required, adjust both points alternately. A large adjustment on one side can move the other side in the opposite direction.

   
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   54HC and 60HC decks. Left hand side shown.

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

   Raise or lower left or right sides of the deck until the outside blade tips are within specified distance from the level surface, and within 1/8 in. (3 mm) vertical height of each other:

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Outside Blade Vertical Height Tips (Right-to-Left)	Distance	6.35 - 7.62 cm (2.5 - 2.75 in.)

   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.

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5. Repeat adjustment as necessary.

Adjust Mower Level (Front-to-Back):

1. Turn left blade so tip points straight forward.

2. Measure distance between the front blade tip to the level surface.

3. 
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   Raise or lower the front of the deck as necessary until the front blade tip is 2.5 in. (6.35 cm) from the level surface:

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

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

   3. Measure distance (C) 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.

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4. Measure distance from the rear left blade tip to the level surface. The front of the blade should be lower than the rear, but the difference must not be more than specifications.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Front of blade to Rear of Blade	Distance	6 mm (1/4 in.)

5. Raise or lower the rear adjustment of the left and right sides of the deck using the instructions outlined in "Adjust Mower Level (Side-to-Side)”, if necessary, until the rear tips of the outer blades are within specifications from the level surface.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Blade Outer Tips to Level Surface	Distance	6.35 - 7.62 cm (2.5 - 2.75 in.)