OPERATING MX4896 three wooden blocks. b.Turn left blade (C) as shown. Hold drive belt and turn right blade (D) as shown. Take measurement for both blades. The difference between blade measurements must not be more than 3 mm (1/8 in.). c.Adjust mower deck level, if necessary. 5. Measure mower level (front-to-rear). B C MX16561 If the rear of the mower deck is not touching the rear blocks, or is sitting heavily on the blocks, adjust the rear lift links by turning the leveling nut (B) on each lift link. The blocks should be able to easily slide in and out beneath the mower deck when the mower deck is correctly adjusted. MX4896a a.Turn right blade (E) so blade tip points straight forward.
b.Measure from blade tip to the surface. Take measurement for both blades. The front blade tip must be 3–6 mm (1/8 -1/4 in.) lower than rear blade tip. C c.Adjust mower deck level if necessary. Adjusting Mower Deck Level NOTE: Mower deck wheels should not contact the ground when leveling the mower deck. Method One 1. Make sure machine is on a flat, level surface. Picture Note: 107 cm (42 in.) mower deck shown MX10529Y 2. Check that tires are inflated to correct tire pressure. Tire pressure is marked on the side of the tire. If the front of the mower deck is not lightly touching the front block, adjust the front draft arm by turning the nut (C). 6.
Raise the cutting height to the next highest position and remove the three wooden blocks. 7. Turn the nut (C) on the front draft arm counterclockwise 1-2 full turns so that the front of the deck is 3-6 mm (1/8-1/4 in.) lower than the rear. This adjustment prevents “double cutting,” which wastes horsepower and causes brown grass tips. Method Two NOTE: An optional mower deck leveling gauge (AM130907) is available from your John Deere dealer. It allows for precision mower deck leveling by measuring mower deck level at the blade tips. 1. Make sure machine is on a flat, level surface. 2. Check that tires are inflated to correct tire pressure. Tire pressure is marked on the side of the tire. 3.
Place three short 51 mm (2 in.) blocks of wood under the edges (A) of the mower deck. Picture Note: 107 cm (42 in.) mower deck shown 3. Lower mower deck to the 50 mm (2 in.) cutting height position. 4. With a tape measure or ruler, measure the left rear and right rear edge of the mower deck at points (A). If the two measurements are not equal, turn the leveling nut (B) on each rear lift link to adjust. Repeat procedure until rear corners of the mower deck are level. 4. Lower mower deck to the 65 mm (2.5 in.) cutting height position. 5. Check that the mower deck is level and lightly touching each of the Operating - 15 E A A A M17