Checking and Adjusting Mower Deck Level

  1. CAUTION: Avoid Injury! 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 on a flat surface. (See Parking Safely in the SAFETY section).

  2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure:

    ItemMeasurementSpecification
    Front TirePressure97 kPa (14 psi)
    Rear TirePressure69 kPa (10 psi)


Quick Leveling Method

  1. MXT014250
    MXT014250-UN-27MAY15

    The label for the cutting height knob is located on the console of the machine. This label shows deck leveling position (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.


  2. Set mower cutting height knob (C) to deck leveling position 2.5 (A), and lower deck against stop. Once deck is adjusted at the 2.5 cut height position, then it will be level and calibrated for all other cut height positions.

  3. Adjust mower deck gauge wheels as necessary so they do not contact the ground surface.

  4. MXT014339
    MXT014339-UN-12JUN15

    Lift seat and remove the deck level wrench (A) and mower deck level gauge (B).


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

    1. NOTE: 48 and 54 mowers have a raised weld (A) for side-to-side measurement.

      MXT014959
      MXT014959-UN-09JUL15

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


    2. MXT014310
      MXT014310-UN-28MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

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


    3. MXT014311
      MXT014311-UN-28MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

      Rotate wrench (A) counterclockwise to lower or clockwise to raise deck until gauge (B) just slips under adjustment point 1.

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

    5. NOTE: If an adjustment of more than 3 mm (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.

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

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

      MXT014342
      MXT014342-UN-27MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

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


    2. MXT014343
      MXT014343-UN-28MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

      If necessary, use an 18 mm wrench to adjust the front of the deck by loosening rear nut (A) equally on each side of front lift rod. Turn front nut (B) equally on each side clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it until gauge just slips under adjustment point 3. If draft rod is not tight against both draft hooks, tighten loose side until both sides are tight against draft hooks. Shake the deck slightly to ensure that it has settled into position. Tighten rear nuts after adjustment is complete.

  7. NOTE: Before storing gauge, 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 gauge and deck leveling wrench to their storage position, under seat.


Optional Leveling Method

NOTE: An optional mower deck leveling gauge (AM130907) (A) is available from your John Deere dealer. It allows for precision mower deck leveling by measuring mower deck level at the blade tips.

  1. Set mower deck cutting height knob to desired cutting height. Lower deck.

  2. Measure mower deck level (side-to-side).

    1. GXAL41983
      GXAL41983-UN-04MAR13

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


    2. MXT014862
      MXT014862-UN-12JUN15

      Turn left blade (A) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn right blade (B) as shown. Take measurement for both blades.

      The difference between blade measurements must not be more than specified distance.

      ItemMeasurementSpecification
      Mower Deck Blade Outside Tips to Ground (Difference)Distance3 mm (1/8 in)


    3. MXT014310
      MXT014310-UN-28MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

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

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

    1. MXT014863
      MXT014863-UN-12JUN15

      Turn right blade (A) 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 specified distance lower than rear blade tip.

      ItemMeasurementSpecification
      Mower Deck Blade Outside Tips to Ground (Difference)Distance3—6 mm (1/8—1/4 in)


    3. MXT014343
      MXT014343-UN-28MAY15

      Shields Removed for Clarity

      If necessary, use an 18 mm wrench to adjust front of deck by loosening rear nut (A) equally on each side of front lift rod. Turn front nut (B) equally on each side clockwise to raise front of mower or counterclockwise to lower it until gauge measures within specified range. If draft rod is not tight against both draft hooks, tighten loose side until both sides are tight against draft hooks. Shake deck slightly to ensure that it has settled into position. Tighten rear nuts after adjustment is complete.

    4. NOTE: Before storing gauge, verify that deck will latch in transport position. If it does not latch, return to side adjustment points and turn both rear adjusting bolts counterclockwise equally to lower rear of deck until deck latch will engage. Recheck front adjustment points, and adjust if necessary.

      Raise deck and return leveling wrench to its storage position, under seat.

JK79365,0000153-19-20150720