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 accidentally.
  • 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 mower deck up stops and frame 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. (See Tire Pressures in the SPECIFICATIONS section).

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

  4. MXAL41812
    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. Raise gage wheels to highest setting.

  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. MXAL41815
    MXAL41815-UN-18FEB13

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


  2. MXT010944
    MXT010944-UN-11JUN14

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

    MXAL41818
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    48C deck. 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 3.2 mm (.13 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 (Confirm gauge (A) just slips under deck on both sides).


Adjust Mower Level (Front-to-Back):

  1. MXAL41819
    MXAL41819-UN-18FEB13

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


  2. MXT008649
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    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. Once front of deck is at desired height, verify there is no gap at location (D) on both right and left side.

    4. Tighten rear nuts after making adjustment. Once again verify no gap was created after tightening rear nuts.

    5. Raise deck and turn height control knob to the lowest setting. Lower deck to ground and remove front draft hanger bracket. Confirm the deck is firmly sitting on the ground at front and back of deck.

    6. If deck is not resting on the ground, install the front draft hanger bracket and raise the deck two or three inches off the ground. Using the exact adjust wrench, lower the right and left side one turn. Lower the deck, remove front draft hanger bracket and reconfirm deck rests firmly on the ground.


    7. MXT008658
      MXT008658-UN-03OCT13

      Check mower deck draft arm latch (E) and make sure it will release mower deck without too much force. If deck does not rest on ground pressure will not allow latch to release.

      NOTE: 1 full turn with exact adjust wrench is approximately 3.2 mm (.13 in.) on mower deck.

    8. Install front draft hanger, fully raise mower and adjust height control knob to desired height.


    9. With mower deck in its fully raised position, verify:

      • MXT008656
        MXT008656-UN-03OCT13

        54HC and 60HC Decks

        MXT008659
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        54HC and 60HC Decks upstops

        The deck upstops (F) and frame (G) (54HC and 60 HC) have a gap.

      • MXT008657
        MXT008657-UN-03OCT13

        48C Deck

        The lift arm (I) and frame upstop (J) (48C deck) have a gap.

    10. If no gap exists, lower the mower deck slightly to remove tension in the system. Use the exact adjust wrench (H) to equally lower the right and left side of the mower deck. Repeat until there is approximately 6.4 mm (.25 in.) gap.


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

  4. Adjust mower height control knob to desired cutting height.

  5. Lower mower deck.

  6. Adjust gage wheels so they clear the ground by 6.4 mm (.25 in.) to 12.7 mm (.5 in.).

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