Leveling Mower Deck

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.

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

2. Inflate tires to correct pressure.

3. Inspect mower blades for:

   • Sharpness.
   • Damage.
   • Bent blades.
   
   

Checking Level (Side-to-Side)

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

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

2. 
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   Discharge chute raised for photo clarity.

   Position right mower blade (A) (discharge side) perpendicular to direction of travel.

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

   Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

4. Position left mower blade perpendicular to direction of travel.

5. Measure from outside blade tip to the ground.

   • The difference between measurements should be no greater than 3 mm (1/8 in.).
   
   

6. If side-to-side level is not within the tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

Adjusting Level (Side-to-Side)

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Front of deck shown

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Rear of deck shown

1. Adjust bolts (A) (two on each side of deck) until deck is within 3 mm (1/8 in.) of level from side-to-side:

• Adjust bolts (A) on all four adjusters until side-to-side level is reached.
• When adjustments have been made, verify measurements.

Checking Level (Front-to-Rear)

1. Set height-of-cut (HOC) to the 76 mm (3 in.) cutting height position.

2. Position right mower blade (discharge side) parallel to direction of travel.

3. Measure from front blade tip to the ground.

4. Turn blade 180° and measure from rear blade tip to the ground.

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

   
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   If the front-to-rear level is not within the given tolerance, an adjustment is necessary.

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Adjusting Level (Front-to-Rear)

IMPORTANT: Adjust the left and right deck lift assist rods equally.

NOTE: Adjust side-to-side mower level before adjusting front-to-rear level.

Adjust both sides of the mower deck equally.

This adjustment is for a course adjustment. The mower deck can be adjusted for pitch and side-to side levels. Pitch is the relationship between the front of the deck and the rear of the deck in regards to height of cut. In most cases, a positive pitch (front of the deck is lower than the rear of the deck) of 1/4” is the optimum setting.

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1. Loosen jam nuts (C) on deck lift rod (D).

2. Remove cap screw (A) securing the rod end (E) from the lift bracket (B).

3. Adjust front portion of mower deck:

   • Turn rod end (E) clockwise to raise front of mower deck.
   • Turn rod end (E) counterclockwise to lower front of mower deck.
   
   

4. Verify that adjustment on right and left sides is equal.

5. Tighten jam nuts (C).

6. Check front-to-rear mower level.