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 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. MXT008660
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    Tool box lid has been removed for clarity.

    Remove the exact adjust wrench (A) stored in the tractor tool box (B).


  5. Raise gage wheels to highest setting.

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

  7. Raise gage wheels to highest setting.


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 3.2 mm (.13 in.).

    MXAL41824
    MXAL41824-UN-18FEB13

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

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


  4. 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.

    MXT010944
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    54HC and 60HC decks. Left hand side shown.

    MXAL41826
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    48C deck. Right hand side shown

    Raise or lower either side of deck until outside blade tips are within specified distance from level surface, and within 3.2 mm (.13 in.) vertical height of each other:

    ItemMeasurementSpecification
    Outside Blade Vertical Height Tips (Right-to-Left)Distance6.35—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.


  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. Turn left blade so tip points straight forward.

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

  3. MXT008649
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    Raise or lower the front of the deck as necessary until the gage to the tip of the blade measures 3.2 mm (.13 in.) less than the side to side blade tip measurement.

    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
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        54HC and 60HC Decks

        MXT008659
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        54HC and 60HC Decks upstops

        The deck upstop (F) and frame (G) (54HC and 60HC) 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.


  4. Return the exact adjust wrench to its storage location.

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

  6. Lower mower deck.

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

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