27
Adjustments and Service
Mower Deck Leveling
Perform these adjustments on a flat level surface. Be 
sure to check and adjust tire pressures before leveling 
the mower deck.
 
Side-To-Side Leveling
 1.  With the mower installed, place the rider on a smooth, 
level surface such as a concrete floor. Turn the front 
wheels so they are straight.
 2.  Check for bent blades and replace if necessary.
 3.  Set the cutting height to mid position. Arrange the 
outside mower blades so that they are pointing from 
side-to-side (Figure 21).
 4.  Measure the distance between the outside tips of 
each blade (A, Figure 22) and the ground (B). If there 
is more than 1/8” (3 mm) difference between the 
measurements on each side, proceed to step 5. If the 
difference is 1/8” (3mm) or less, proceed to step 6.
 5.  Side-to-side leveling is accomplished using the 
threaded rod (A, Figure 23) and trunnion (B) on the 
right and left rear sides of the mower deck. Loosen 
the jam nuts (C) and adjust the nuts up or down to 
adjust the mower level. When complete, tighten the 
jam nuts against the trunnion to lock the adjustment in 
place.
Front-To-Back Leveling
 6.  Arrange the blades so they face front-to-back (Figure 
24).
 7.  Measure the distance from the ground to the front tip 
of the center blade and from the ground to the rear tip 
of the rear blades (Figures 22 & 24). The front tip of 
the front blade should be 1/8” - 1/4” (3 - 6 mm) lower 
than the rear tips of the rear blades. If not, proceed 
with steps 8 - 9.
 8.  The front hitch rods (A, Figure 25) are used to adjust 
front-to-back leveling. To raise or lower the front of 
the mower deck, loosen the rear jam nuts (B) on 
both front hitch rods. Adjust the front jam nuts (C) on 
both hitch rods to adjust the mower deck level. When 
adjusted correctly, tighten the rear jam nuts to lock 
the front hitch rods in place.
 9.  Re-check the blade measurement, then repeat steps 
7 - 9 as necessary.
Figure 24.  Orient Blades Front-to-Back
Figure 21. Orient Blades Side-to-Side
Figure 22.  Measure Blade Tips to Ground
A
B
Figure 23.  Mower Leveling - Side-to-Side
(Right side shown, left side hidden)
A
C
C
B