How to Level a Lawn Mower Deck
Riding lawn mower decks often get out of level as people step on and off them, and parts wear. These decks are designed to be relatively easy to level side-to-side by simply turning adjustment nuts one way or the other until the deck is level. The front-to-back level adjustment depends upon adjusting four nuts located on the end of the mower deck link rods. The link rods go through holes in trunnions mounted to the tractor frame between the front wheels. The other end of the link rods connect to suspension pins on the front of the mower deck. There will be a nut on each side of the trunnions at the front of the tractor. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Park the tractor on a level, flat surface like a sidewalk, concrete floor or asphalt driveway.
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2
Raise the mower deck to the highest position.
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3
Check tire pressures and inflate or deflate to the proper level.
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4
Measure the distance from the middle point of both sides of the mower deck to the ground. These measurements should be the same, or within ¼ inch of each other. If measurements are within tolerance, skip to Step 6.
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5
Tighten the lift link adjustment nut on the side of the mower deck that is too low and recheck measurements taken in Step 4. Repeat until they are within ¼ inch of each other.
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6
Measure the distance from the front and rear of the mower deck to the ground. The front measurement should be 1/8 inch to ½ inch lower than the rear. If the measurements are within tolerance, stop. The deck is level. Otherwise continue with the next step.
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7
Measure both front link rods, and if they are not the same length adjust one of them to match the other by turning the adjustment nuts. Turn the nut on the outside of the trunnion counterclockwise to lengthen the rod. Turn the nut on the inside of the trunnion counterclockwise to shorten the rod. Once the rods are the same length as measured from the center of the suspension pin on the mower deck to the center of the trunnion, tighten the opposing nut against the trunnion.
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8
Loosen the nuts on the front side of the trunnions an equal number of turns to lower the front of the mower deck. When the deck is 1/8 inch to ½ inch lower in the front than the rear, tighten the nuts on the backside of the trunnions.
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9
Loosen the nuts on the backside of the trunnions an equal number of turns to raise the mower deck. When it is 1/8 inch to ½ inch lower in the front than in the back, tighten the nuts on the front side of the trunnions.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Some mower decks may require different steps.
