DIY! How to Level a Riding Lawn Mower Deck (John Deere)

I show you how to level the mowing deck of a John Deere Riding Lawn Mower. This works essentially the same on many different brands! Get an even cut and a fantastic lawn by periodically checking your deck for level.

[landybob]

Now this is a how to video that actually shows you how to. Great video sir.

[nealbowser]

James Moore’s comments are spot on! I would suggest following his recommendations. To summarize, use the plastic gauge to level the deck. It will measure the actual height of the mower blades, as opposed to the bottom lip of the deck. Set the front of the deck 1/4” lower than the sides. That makes a tremendous difference in the cutting efficiency of your mower. Also, adjust your tire pressures first before doing anything! Finally (-nothing to do with adjusting the blades) clean the top of your deck! All of that accumulated debris will trap moisture and prematurely rot your deck. Use the water adapter (-every time) to clean the bottom, but use an air hose or leaf blower to remove clippings from the top.

[chuggy]

Fine job explaining how it should be done. Exactly how I do my JD and it mows nice and level. Reading some of the comments you would think we were machining a critical part for the engine.

[ggganster]

You should first mention that the tire pressure should be checked on all four tires before leveling the deck.

[jeribitney]

Thank you! The condescending dealer insisted that I HAD to use the hex wrench which came with the mower and put it through the holes on the floor area of the mower. (I am, after all, a lowly female.) This told me exactly what I need to know to adjust my 2008 x324 hole-free deck, which has never had a hex wrench. Now I'm off to replace the wheels before I level the deck, armed with my deep socket, ratchet, and penetrating oil.

[RonaldSpooner]

Just got a used LA135 my first riding mower. Your video was a big help.

[kenwidmer]

Very well done, good camera work, clear and concise. You have a professional sounding voice.

[kneewall]

Great thanks, I was also going to mention setting tyre pressure 1st. Also may be faster to set the front gap first?

[mbauer]

Great video! I have one question. Why do you use a 2in spacer but set the deck to 2.5?

[paulrevere]

Would it hurt anything to put another locking nut at each point to keep the adjusting nut from backing out? Thanks for the video.

[AlanHozak]

If that's his mower, we need to do a video on how to properly clean the deck. That looks like it been there a while. That's a good way to rust out a deck.

[gavinprice]

Once the deck is set at 2 inches it is recommended to now lower the front of the deck 1 to 2 turns on the nut. It is very important to check the tyre pressures before starting.

[hughbo]

Nice clean and smooth. I won't feel too badly if it takes me only couples of hours now, there's no doubt I'll mess up something else.
Nice post.

[alannorman]

You did it well done but should you have checked the tyre pressure before you start this process

[jeepinspence]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I’m a little confused as to why you’d set the deck to 2 1/2” and the level it all around at 2”. Yes it’s level but wouldn’t your height adjuster be off?

[BigJnWorldWide]

Great video! I think I've needed to do this. I bought a used LT190 and my 3.5" cut send a lot lower than 3.5". Now I know how to do it. 🙂

[davestrongman]

Good video appreciate it. So in reading the comments seems you should clean it, check tire pressure, and put the front an eighth inch lower. Other than that it was spot on!!

[scottlambert]

Great video and a level deck makes a difference when you are mowing the grass and I think that alot of people don't know how to level a deck

[hockadayfer]

J. D. recommends leaving the front deck one eighth lower

[gohorse]

Should the front be lower than the rear like a Bushhog?