Adjusting Mower Wheels

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: The mower deck can be damaged if mower wheels are adjusted wrong:

  • Wheels must not ride on ground supporting mower weight.
  • Check wheel adjustment each time cutting height is changed.

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

  2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

  3. Press lift pedal and lock in place.

  4. Adjust cutting height.

  5. Lower mower to cutting position.

  6. Measure distance between mower wheels and ground surface:

    • 42 Mulch Mower - All wheels should be 3-13 mm (1/8-1/2 in.) from ground.
    • 42 Mower- All wheels should be 3-9 mm (1/8-3/8 in.) from ground.
    • 48 and 54 Mowers - All wheels should be 6-13 mm (1/4-1/2 in.) from ground.

  7. Adjust mower wheels to correct height:

    MXAL45976
    MXAL45976-UN-09APR13

    42 mower shown.

    • 42 Mowers - Remove shoulder bolt (A) and nut (B). Move wheel (C) to proper hole position. Secure with shoulder bolt and nut. Tighten nut to Specification.

      ItemMeasurementSpecification
      42 Mower Wheel - Shoulder Bolt and NutTorque34 N m (25 lb.-ft.)

    • MXAL45977
      MXAL45977-UN-22MAY13

      48 mower shown.

      48 and 54 Mowers - Remove locking clip (D), pull pin (E) outward, and move wheel and shaft (F) to proper hole position. Install pin and locking clip to lock wheel in position.


MX00654,000007D-19-20130821