Adjusting Mower Level Using Deck Leveling Gauge - Method 1

CAUTION: Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

  • Disconnect spark plug wires or battery negative (-) cable to prevent engine from starting accidentally.
  • Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

IMPORTANT: If lift arms are not adjusted correctly mower deck lift system can be damaged. 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 gauge 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. MXT014374
    MXT014374-UN-22JUN15

    The locations of adjustment points vary slightly between decks:

    • Two adjustment points (D) are on the left and right rear of deck rim in front of the rear tires.
    • The third adjustment point (E) is 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
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    48A, 54HC, and 60HC decks. Left-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
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    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 that there is no gap at location (D) on both right and left side.

    4. Tighten rear nuts after adjusting. Once again verify that 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 that 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. MXT015033
      MXT015033-UN-01JUL15

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

      NOTE: One 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 upstop

        The deck upstop (F) and frame (G) (54HC and 60 HC) 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 lower the right and left side of the mower deck equally. 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 gauge wheels so they clear the ground by 6.4 mm (.25 in.) to 12.7 mm (.5 in.).

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