Adjusting Mower Deck - All Models

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 deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground while adjusting deck.

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

2. Inflate tires to the correct pressure and be sure that left and right tire pressures are equal.

3. Raise the mower deck to the transport position.

4. Inspect mower blades for:

   • Blade sharpness.
   • Blade damage.
   • Bent blades.
   
   

Checking Level (Side-to-Side)

NOTE: Mower deck anti-scalp wheels should not contact the ground.

1. 
   TCT007077-UN-10NOV13

   Adjust height of cut knob (A) to align cut height position 3 (B) to index mark (C).

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2. 
   TCT007074-UN-10NOV13

   Confirm cutting height is at position 3, by checking that the deck height position finger (D) on the lift shaft is aligned with the lobe labeled 3.

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3. 
   TCT007075-UN-16OCT13

   Turn and hold left blade (B) as shown. Turn right blade as shown.

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4. NOTE: Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) (C) to check the mower blade level.

   
   TCAL43467-UN-21MAR13

   Discharge chute raised for photo clarity.

   Measure distance (D) from the blade tip to the ground on LH and RH blades.
   • The blade tips should measure within specification of each other.

     Item	Measurement	Specification
     Left and Right Blade Height Difference	Distance	1/8 in. (3 mm)

   
   

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5. 
   TCAL43468-UN-21MAR13

   Turn right blade (E) so blade tip points straight forward. Position left mower blade in the straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

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6. Measure distance (D) from left front blade tip to the ground. The front blade tip should be within specification from the ground.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Left and Right Front Blade Tip	Distance	76 mm (3 in.) (+/- 2 mm [1/16 in.])

7. If the blade tip height is not within the given tolerance then further adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Blade Tip Height

TCAL43469-UN-21MAR13

1. Loosen jam nut (C).

2. Turn rod tube (D) on each side of machine to adjust as needed so the left and right blade tips meet specification.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Left and Right Front Blade Tip	Distance	76 mm (3 in.) (+/- 2 mm [1/16 in.])

3. Tighten jam nut (C).

Checking Blade Rake (Front to Rear Height)

1. NOTE: If an adjustment was made to the front blade tip height, the blade rake will need to be checked.

   Lower mower deck to 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) in straight forward (front-to-rear) position.

3. Measure from the right front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade one hundred eighty degrees and measure from right rear blade tip to the ground.

5. NOTE: Use a short ruler or a leveling gauge (Part No. AM130907) (A) to check the mower blade level.

   
   TCAL43470-UN-21MAR13

   The height (E) of the rear blade tip should be 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in.) higher than the front blade tip.

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6. Repeat steps 1-5 for left blade

7. If the blade rake is not within the given tolerance then further adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Blade Rake (Front-to-Rear)

TCAL43471-UN-21MAR13

1. Loosen rear hanger jam nut (F).

2. Turn tube nut (G) at rear hangers to adjust front-to-rear level.

3. The rear of the blade tips should be 1/8-1/4 in. higher than front.

4. Tighten jam nuts to specification.

   Item	Measurement	Specification
   Jam Nut	Torque	67 N·m (50 ft-lb)

5. Check blade rake. Repeat adjustment if needed.