20
Leveling the Deck
NOTE
: Check the tractor’s tire pressure before performing
any deck leveling adjustments. Refer to
Tires on page 24
for information regarding tire pressure.
Front To Rear
The front of the cutting deck is supported by a stabilizer
bar that can adjusted to level the deck from front to
rear. The front of the deck should be between 1/4-inch
and 3/8-inch lower than the rear of the deck. Adjust if
necessary as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place
the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position)
and rotate the blade nearest the discharge chute so
that it is parallel with the tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the front of the blade tip to
the ground and the rear of the blade tip to the ground.
The first measurement taken should be between 1/4”
and 3/8” less than the second measurement. Deter-
mine the approximate distance necessary for proper
adjustment and proceed, if necessary, to the next step.
3. From the front of the tractor, loosen the hex lock nut
on each end of the deck hanger rod, and turn away
from the inner hex nuts. See Fig. 5-1.
4. Tighten the inner hex nuts front against the front
hanger bracket to raise the front of the deck; loosen
the hex nuts to lower the front of the deck.
5. Retighten the two lock nuts against the inner hex nuts
when proper adjustment is achieved.
Side to Side
If the cutting deck appears to be mowing unevenly, a side
to side adjustment can be performed. Adjust if necessary
as follows:
1. With the tractor parked on a firm, level surface, place
the deck lift lever in the top notch (highest position)
and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular
with the tractor.
2. Measure the distance from the outside of the left blade
tip to the ground and the distance from the outside of the
right blade tip to the ground. Both measurements taken
should be equal. If they’re not, proceed to the next step.
3. Loosen, but do NOT remove, the hex cap bolt on the
left deck hanger bracket. See Fig. 5-2.
4. Balance the deck by using a wrench to turn the
adjustment gear (found immediately behind the hex
cap bolt just loosened) clockwise/up or counterclock-
wise/down. The deck is properly balanced when both
blade tip measurements taken earlier are equal.
5. Retighten the hex cap bolt on the left deck hanger
bracket when proper adjustment is achieved.
5
Adjusting
Your Lawn
Tractor
Figure 5-1
WARNING
Never attempt to make
any adjustments
while the engine
is running, except
where specified in the
operator’s manual.
Never attempt to
adjust the brakes
while the engine
is running. Always
disengage PTO, move
shift lever into neutral
position, stop engine
and remove key to
prevent unintended
starting.
Tighten
to raise deck
Loosen
to lower deck
Figure 5-2
Adjustment Gear
Hex Bolt
WARNING: Never attempt to make
any adjustments while the engine
is running, except where specified
in the operator’s manual.
