Adjusting Mower Level

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 accidently.

   • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

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

   Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section.)

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure.

3. Position caster wheels to the forward driving position.

4. Set mower to preferred cutting height, and lower deck into the mowing position.

5. Measure mower level (side-to-side).

   1. 
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      A convenient leveling gauge (A) (AM130907) is available from your dealer.

      Position mower blades as follows and measure from each outside blade tip (B) to the level surface.

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   2. 
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      Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold and turn right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both blades.

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

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   3. 
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      Adjust mower level, if necessary, by turning rear nuts (E) clockwise to raise the side of the mower deck, or counterclockwise to lower the mower deck.

      NOTE: Ensure bottom of lock nut is engaged on threaded fitting to avoid hardware from loosening during operation.

6. Measure mower level (front-to-rear).

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      Turn right blade (D) so blade tip points straight forward.

   2. Measure from blade tip to the surface. Take measurement for both blades. The front blade tip must be 3 - 6 mm (1/8 - 1/4 in.) lower than rear blade tip.

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   3. 
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      48 in. deck shown.

      48C and 54C mower decks: Adjust mower level, if necessary, by loosening rear nuts (E) on front lift rod. Turn front nuts (F) clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it. Make sure front lift rod (G) contacts mower deck bracket on both sides (H) to maximize stability of deck. Tighten rear nut after adjustment is complete.

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   4. 
      MXAL47053-UN-16APR13

      48HC, 54HC, 60HC and 62 in. mower decks: Adjust mower level, if necessary, by loosening lower nut (I) on both sides of deck. Turn top nut (J) on each side of deck clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower front of mower. Tighten lower nuts after adjustment is complete.

   NOTE: Verify that deck will latch in transport position. If it does not latch, turn both rear adjusting nuts counter-clockwise equally to lower rear of deck until deck latch will engage. Check front lift rod adjustment, adjust if necessary.