Checking and Adjusting Mower Deck Level

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.

NOTE: Mower wheels should not contact the ground when leveling the deck.

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

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure:

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Front Tire	Pressure	97 kPa (14 psi)
   Rear Tire	Pressure	69 kPa (10 psi)

3. 
   MXT005370-UN-09SEP13

   The label for the cutting height knob is located on the console of the machine. This label shows deck leveling positions (A) and location of deck leveling adjustment points (B). The location of adjustment points will vary slightly between decks:
   • Adjustment point 1 is located on the left rear deck rim.
   • Adjustment point 2 is located on the right rear deck rim.
   • Adjustment point 3 is located on the front deck hanger bracket.
   
   

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4. Set mower cutting height knob (C) to the deck leveling position (A) for your specific tractor model, and lower deck against stop:

   • For X300 and X310 models, use position 2.75.
   • For X304, X320, X324 and X360 models, use position 2.5.
   
   

   Once deck is adjusted at the deck leveling position, then it will be level and calibrated for all other cut height positions.

5. Adjust mower deck gage wheels as necessary so they do not contact the ground surface.

6. 
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   Lift seat and remove the deck level wrench (D) and mower deck level gage (E).

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7. Adjust mower deck side-to-side level:

   1. NOTE: Adjustment points 1 and 2 on 38, 42 mulching, 48 and 54 mowers have a raised marker (F) for side-to-side measurement; 42 mowers have a recessed area (F).

      
      MXAL45965-UN-09SEP13

      Left photo 38, 42 mulching, 48 and 54 mowers. Right photo 42 mower.

      Use gage (E) to check the height between the floor and deck rim at adjustment points 1 and 2. The gage should just slip under the deck rim.

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   2. 
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      If adjustments are necessary, first move seat to rear most position, then insert provided deck level wrench (D) into top port opening (G) on fender deck until end of wrench mates with adjustment bolt (H).

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   3. 
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      Rotate wrench (D) counterclockwise to lower or clockwise to raise deck until gage (E) just slips under deck at adjustment point 1. Shake the deck slightly to ensure it has settled into position.

   4. Repeat procedure on right side of deck for adjustment point 2.

   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 step b, c, and d, as necessary.

8. Adjust mower deck front-to-back level:

   1. NOTE: Adjustment point 3 has a stamped “3” on side of front deck hanger bracket (I).

      
      MXT008463-UN-04SEP13

      Use gage (E) to check the height between the floor and front deck hanger bracket (I) at adjustment point 3. The gage should just slip under the bracket.

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   2. 
      MXT008464-UN-04SEP13

      If necessary, use an 18 mm wrench to adjust the front of the deck by loosening rear nut (K) equally on each side of front lift rod. Turn front nut (J) equally on each side clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it until gage just slips under adjustment point 3. Shake the deck slightly to ensure it has settled into position. Tighten rear nuts after adjustment is complete.

9. NOTE: Before storing gage, verify that deck will latch in transport position. If it does not latch, return to adjustment points 1 and 2 and turn both rear adjusting nuts counterclockwise equally to lower rear of deck until deck latch will engage. Recheck adjustment point 3, and adjust if necessary.

   Return the gage (E) and deck leveling wrench (D) to their storage position, under the seat.