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.

[@landybob8393]

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

[@nealbowser8574]

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.

[@Katykat7777777]

This is a very sturdy and well built mower. I thought I wouldn't like the foot operated speed control but after one use kzbin.infoUgkxTZSPVwJFBv2hORqhQamtxi-tAe5K2EtC , I can't believe I ever had one without it. It drives like a car with an automatic transmission. Easy to adjust mowing speed according to grass depth/thickness. I have yet to get used to the long throw of the blade engagement lever but kind of get why it is that way. It allows you to hold mowing for short moments if you need. The engine seems very substantial and the frame has very little flex, both adding up to an impressive package. All my previous tractors were 18 to21 hp with 42in decks. This one is 23/46. I mow about 1.5 acres about every 5 days here in Alaska and that mowing time has been reduced by about 20%, partly due to the very tight turning radius. No loop arounds lol. Hour meter, cruise control, reverse mowing capability,deck cleanout and easy assembly all add up to a very well thought out tractor.

[@chuggy9345]

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.

[@DANDLINC]

Thanks David. It seems to work for me!

[@hughbo52]

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.

[@user-tn7bp8cb6h]

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

[@gavinprice8561]

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.

[@nicholasf.1893]

1/8 -1/4 inch lower for rake.

[@ggganster5662]

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

[@johnpelham9310]

I had that problem once. Used measuring tape , from floor to the bottom of deck . Duh . I screwed myself. Need air in 1 back tire. Had to readjust the deck. silly me . sometimes I seem brain dead.

[@truckerray7533]

John Pelham. I know whatchya mean. sometimes it seems like when my best friend & I git together, we have our "Abbot & Costello" moments & if not the A&B. . . . .then most definatly "Laural & Hardy" moments for sure. . . . .LOL!

[@FRRitter]

Ditto!!!

[@jamesmoore3346]

Correct, 1st thing is correct tire pressure. I do not level deck by measuring at the shell's edge, there is a simple plastic guage that is used to check at blade tips. Also, the front of the deck should be 1/8-1/4 inch lower than back. This allows the blade rotation to contact grass 1st and move it to discharge chute efficiently. If the front is higher then the blades would be double cutting, with the rear having to move clippings around to front then to discharge causing a less efficient cut, (tractor works harder when double cutting). One other thing, the plastic "guage wheels" are not supposed to support the deck, deck is supported by frame of tractor. The plastic wheels are actually anti-scalp wheels which only contact ground if unit is cutting high spots, they roll deck over the "hill" so to prevent scalping. They shoud be set 1/4 inch from ground. Set deck to height you normally cut and adjust the height lockout, then set the wheels. All this should be set up with tractor on hard level surface, such as concrete drive or pavement. Sounds like alot of stuff just to set a deck for proper cutting but there's really nothing to it. Then when cutting, run motor at full rpm and use transmission to control ground speed. This will provide the most efficient use of the tractor. I was a mechanic for John Deere and also for Ford New Holland for a total of little over 16 years. I have worked on about every brand and design unit there is. I moved into specilized industrial hydraulics systems, manufacturing large hydraulic machines for the offshore oil&gas industry up until I was forced into retirement due to lung cancer, which I beat but unfortunally I have yer to beat the effects of chemo and radiation. I hope to return to the hydraulics field if I can get past the bad side effects.

[@ethics3]

@@@jamesmoore3346 Thank you for all this information . Its a big help

[@scottlambert2949]

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

[@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. 🙂

[@DZM1720.]

frr bdbbbbbbdf

[@spanishlady3270]

Mines higher I think...its all the way down according to height on measure guide but cuts like it's on 4" 🙄

[@kneewall49]

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

[@kenwidmer8999]

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

[@cesarvargas2386]

Thanks for the teach, i got a jhon deer LA 115 and i never label it thata why always my yard was cut univen. Good video very helpful.

[@clarkgriswald9909]

Great video, clear and simple - thanks!

[@wagstail4804]

Clear simple and wrong......

[@clarkgriswald9909]

Worked for me...

[@jeribitney7750]

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.

[@hotrodhog2170]

Check your tire pressure first or you will be adjusting your deck forever.

[@jeribitney7750]

@@hotrodhog2170 That's the first thing I did.

[@hotrodhog2170]

Smart gal!

[@ovabarton2810]

Dealer was not being condescending, on your mower it adjusts as the dealer told you with an allen wrench. Not all mowers adjust the same, your owners manual has a section explaining the process and how much differences in front to back measurement.

[@pridehawk9026]

A nice video. I only have one height guage. I bring the guage with me when I move from one location to another. I also use the guage to check if the blades are leveled. I have a LA115. The blades are about 1/4 in. above the bottom of the deck.

[@leomenchey3726]

Yes tire pressure is very important I do not know about other John Deere lawn tractors but minor 16 lb in the back 10 in the front to adjust the back of the deck is very informative but in the John Deere manual it states to have your front of your deck a quarter of an inch lower so you do not double cut your grass double cutting your grass will leave a whitish to Brown Hayes on top of the grass where the second cut actually burns the blade more than cuts it accurately other than that great video

[@pray-unceasingly]

Worked like a charm! Thanks!

[@hockaday2fer2]

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

[@davestrongman9519]

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!!

[@patevans1048]

If you read the Manuel the front should be 1/4" lower or you double cut

[@robertsneed3]

Very helpful video thanks for sharing 👊🏿

[@shrpshtr9006]

made it look easy, GOOD JOB!

[@jmsmaxwell]

Have a Snapper and based upon what you showed I think that will work for it also. One thing you did not mention is to make sure that all tires are inflated to the proper pressure to insure you are not fighting an uneven area.

[@chestermiller1768]

How do u fix deck if 1 side is touching ground,i not sure if i broke something off,or what needs done

[@busterbaker8820]

Excellent and to the point. Thanks

[@kinglangren]

Thanks I just got one free and not sure how to adjust the front. Thank you

[@littlebitofeverything652]

Very nice video, thank you!

[@MarcBolla]

Thanks, super clear!

[@Mearyeaurng]

Thanks for the videos. I have a question. The front lever, what's that extra hole for?

[@davsmith7334]

Great video. I'm set at 3.5 and deck is 2 inches off garage floor.......scalping all my little high spots.....

[@alannorman6166]

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

[@littlejimmy1636]

thanks for the information

[@johntoothman4888]

Very cool!! Thanks!!

[@kensayre3880]

Wish it was this ez on my x729. Have to remove pins on yokes. Very difficult without having moeer on a lift.

[@tomvincent7167]

Leveling the deck means the same dimension from the floor to underside of the blades (not to the bottom edge of the deck) on both blade sides. Adjust height of blades/deck to be the same as the lever setting (e.g. 3"). John Deere has a tool to do this.

[@scottsmith9185]

The way he did it is option #1 in the instruction manual. Option #2 is with the tool. What he did wrong was not lower the front a 1/4 inch to prevent double cutting.

[@jerrybowers2119]

Tip use leaf blower to get loose grass off deck and pulleys etc water not much help except on cool engine hood.

[@victorjoseph8948]

that is why it rusts must clean after each cut or the deck rusts

[@davidstowe5652]

Great job and good luck

[@DanielRios-wi8vo]

I used your way it was easy and it works

[@TheGermanation]

Good video. Also ensure you clean the top part of the mower deck to extend the life of the belt and PTO.

[@mitchcarmack]

Excellent. Thank you!

[@stevehood7151]

Tire pressure first. 12 front 10 rear. As you adjust one inside lowers the other. So check periodically often. The front should lower than the sides.

[@kringles65]

What a clean garage floor, I was surprised that you don't clean the deck of your mower. Should use leaf blower and occasional hose wash.

[@randyprevette3903]

Glad to see someone else being anal about a clean mower deck! I mow for a living and blow off deck and clean under deck between each yard! No cross contamination between yards. Damn that Deere is nasty with old grass!

[@440gohorse]

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

[@erezk2170]

Gettin' shmoofty with it 😎

[@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?

[@htfpdotcomdotau]

The blade is 1/2" higher than the bottom of the deck

[@kendicus4518]

@@htfpdotcomdotau Thank you I had the same question

[@clarkkent7376]

You just saved me 150$ thanks alot

[@jerrybowers2119]

I do similar with spacers but also use a magnetic bubble level in back side to side and front should be 1/4 to 3/4 lower than back of deck pitch down helps mower to cut correctly/

[@mbauer828]

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

[@mikemartin1113]

Because the blade sits 1/2 inch above the bottom of the deck !

[@psmithphil]

It worked great for me. I thought the video showed everything needed and it was just how my mower (D125) is. Thank you for sharing! What's funny is, after I had gone back and forth adjusting each side over and over, I realized I hadn't checked the tire pressure. Sure enough, one tire was quite low, so I had to do the process all over again. LOL.

[@DANDLINC]

Excellent point. Thanks for sharing.

[@tenolan]

Exactly...check that tire pressure First!

[@618sam]

My Husqvarna YTH21K46 doesn’t have the rear right adjustable rod. It’s just a bracket style rod, with no way of adjusting. It just free-slides thru a bracket hole.

[@stealthsrt4]

lvled the deck now its hard to get into highest deck setting is that normal

[@revolution3797]

I'm trying to look on Amazon and eBay for a adjustment bolt assembly what do you call to look it up

[@chriskeith5742]

You talking about the linkage rod?

[@paulrevere4326]

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

[@djratino]

They should be locknuts with an indentation on the side. The front one is double nutted. That's how it is on a Husqvarna.

[@detox5454]

it's what the blades are at not the bottom of the deck bud, so now you set the bottom of the deck at 2 inches but the blades are actually probably cutting at like 2 3/4 or even 3 inches maybe depending on how much higher the blades ride from the bottom of the deck but on the brightside... at least you're getting a level cut haha

[@leerouse2001]

How about doing some maintenance like cleaning the deck all times when you get done mowing if you don't clean underneath and on top your deck will not last long it will Rust and it will eat it away. But thank you for the video

[@glennsullivan674]

First check the tire pressure, set deck at your normal cutting height and park on a level surface. Take the pulley covers off and use a small torpedo level on top of the blade pulley. Check both pulley front to back and side to side. Adjust to the best level you can get. If there big different from one another, your deck spindle mount is bent. Now what are you going do?

[@razrf]

Make sure correct tire pressure. May have one low which would throw off settings.

[@Borders14]

Why did you set the deck for 2.5, then use a 2 inch spacer?

[@larryg6221]

Brilliant

[@tommyluddy]

Thanks again.

[@andystevens7557]

Thank you.

[@MiguelGarcia-rv3nj]

THANK YOU!

[@lordneeko]

The manual says the front should be a few millimeters lower...do you not do that?

[@mrbubetube]

In all the John Deere videos I've seen on youtube, I have yet to see one video that refers to the manual, which is probably why there are so many videos hahahahahahaha

[@cherylspringtime]

Why won't my front bolt move? I can't get it to budge at all.

[@richardbarkley9909]

Is it possible to adjust the deck to go higher than the highest setting? We have St.Augustine grass here in Florida and I'd love to be able to raise the deck an additional 1/2 to 1" over the normal highest setting. GREAT VIDEO, BTW!!!!

[@mikemartin1113]

Set the deck handle to 2 1/2 inches and adjust(raise) the bottom of the deck to 3 inches. That will give you the extra height.Your grass will now cut 1 inch higher than what the handle numbers say. Don't forget to lower the front of deck to 1/8 - 1/4 lower than the back to prevent double cutting .Keep in mind that the blades sit 1/2 inch above bottom of deck.

[@kccruiser873]

How about lifting the deck and then lower it onto the blocks then finger tips tighten those nuts until contact?

[@billbright1755]

Is this on the level?

[@jumperg1]

Forgot to check tire pressure

[@patmancrowley8509]

Thanks.

[@tiger.6509]

Mower blades are right at the bottom of the deck so how can that measurement be correct if you set it at 2 1/2 and then use 2 inch spacers to level now when I get all done I set mine to Number 3 I use measuring tape it’s 2 1/4 inches off the concrete. ? What’s up with that. Number 3 should be 3 inches off the ground?

[@tiger.6509]

Take a measuring tape and measure

[@dougsmith9589]

Kool thank you

[@kyleulmer726]

Thank YOU, Sir'!! 🫡😎😎🤙

[@stupat3]

is it clockwise to tighten?

[@waskele.wabbit717]

Righty tighty lefty Loosey

[@rodneybrand8521]

Will that work on a husqvarna ??

[@hotrodhotrod-wc3bu]

Rodney Brand listen it doesn't work at all hes doing it wrong dont you people read your manuals if not then why put the money into one anyway pay someone to do it. but thats not how you do it

[@johnrussell7385]

my garage slopes to the door but is flat and even will this throw off my level?

[@macdaddybill]

no you'll be fine

[@deforestmapp8205]

Thank You

[@ThaRedPitbull]

Thanks, man.

[@falquest]

If only my garage floor was that level.

[@anthonytorrey]

MATT Fallon ya me too! Guess work will have to be good enough,my floor is not level

[@willyboyw.5771]

My L111 doesn't have those 2 back adjustment nuts...just the front one.

[@hotrodhog2170]

manuals.deere.com/cceomview/OMGX22058_F5/Output/Index.html?tM=HO

[@hotrodhog2170]

Read that manual on how to adjust deck level.

[@tomn5880]

Just FYI, I use a battery powered leaf blower on my JD S240 after each mow job. Keeps the cut grass from building up on the mower deck. BTW, you didn't show how to level the blades once you level the deck.

[@drakewesterman9798]

Are u on Crack what do u mean by leveling the blades

[@kamX-rz4uy]

Do you mean balance the blades?

[@ryanrutter0825]

Cant you use just one block?

[@macdaddybill]

No because as you adjust side to side and front to back it moves the other points. I also do it so my blocks just lightly touch bottom of deck but i can still slide them.

[@garyhren5670]

Love my 2015 john deere D130 riding lawn mower, except for a huge issue. I mow at 2" dont see why so many people mow so high its hard to see you mowed. Heres my problem, if nothing runs like a deer why do i have to unclog the chute all the time. After i had a person install two new blades on, i later notice theres blades that create mor lifting action..i noticed on a sheet the dealer gave me on part listing AFTER i had them changed out. Not sure they would fix the clogging issue, guessing its more mowing so low that the mowing deck does not get enough air causing poor updraft. Other than that, i love it..i never had a riding lawn mower😃 thats it..

[@rollotomassi6374]

Get a bungee cord, drill a small hole towards to front a outside of your plastic chute….attach the bungee cord to hold the chute up…..that will alleviate the bunching up problems……

[@wrx248]

Pretty good video. But check tire pressure first on a level surface. Also the leading edge of the deck should be 1/8" lower than the back to provide relief and a clean cut. Not 1/4 to 1/2 inch. P.S. Never let your deck get built up with grass. Rust and muck will ruin it.

[@bigchungus920]

What happens if it's 1/4 to 1/2 inch lower

[@mikemartin1113]

@@bigchungus920 change it to 1/8 to 1/4

[@richardmueller9565]

you didn't say to check tire pressures! 12 front 10 backs

[@thekingtroll2]

I mowed my grass and it started skipping roughly in middle. So I would mow and then mow the other way to make sure it cut. I bought brand new blades thinking that was the reason. I switched blades and the blades that were original looked almost new. I started cutting with the new blades and the grass still skips. Those blades were new and my old ones were about 12 yrs old! Now I have a spare set should one of the new ones get ruined for some reason. I started googling how to fix the grass from skipping and saw this leveling video. I'll try that. If not I'll have to just call someone and come pick it up for servicing so it cuts right and I don't have to mow twice.

[@jamesbayless1145]

I have an LA 120 I have had for 12 years, and I have same problem as you. Started a couple years after I got it...no JD dealer has ever been able to fix it..leveling helps, but it still cuts bad on small slopes.. and level grass...new blades did not help..looking at replacing the spindles or the whole deck, but a new deck is half of the price for a new mower. Frustrated...

[@thekingtroll2]

@@jamesbayless1145 A friend figured out my problem. All the tires had different tire pressure. He pumped up each tire to the exact amount and it cut like new again. Level and everything. He said, over time, if a tire got low, air got added to it. That started the cycle of all four tires being out of wack. I could not believe it. He set the tire pressure, re leveled the deck and i'ts like new again.

[@jamesbayless1145]

@@thekingtroll2 thats really great u got a solution to your problem!! My pressure's are checked all the time, and i set them at 10psi on rears, and 12 on the fronts...i will keep trying...

[@kathycovert3525]

My LA 120 manual says 1/4" lower on the front

[@mrbubetube]

ya, and the manual also tells you to engage the blades at full throttle, and the new E-series tractors tell you it's ok to leave half the dirty oil in the engine when doing oil changes.

[@sammyzonna8045]

thanks

[@PigasusAlmighty]

thanks.

[@Kiddro22]

Sadly, I was told that Deere decks aren’t horizontally built straight across and around. They’re wavey to some point.

[@toolinhand]

Good video. I have that same ratchet that you used.

[@DANDLINC]

Thank you!

[@stephenneat4277]

Well did anyone else catch he set the height at 2.5” then adjusted it using 2” blocks. Never checked tire pressures to make sure it’s not unlovely due to a low tire.

[@CorkeryCoop]

Stephen Neat the blade is about 1/2” higher than the bottom edge of the deck.

[@mikepayne7403]

measure at the blades not the deck and don't forget to carry your box ratchet with you and mow some and make final adjustments as you go.

[@janrothacker261]

First check the air pressure. It is a simple, fast but important check

[@WeekendHobbyMechanic]

The front part of the deck should be 1/4 to 1/2in lower then the back...

[@LastBastian]

Why? ...This is the first I've heard that after watching about ten of these videos?

[@craigs7181]

@@LastBastian It discharges the clippings more efficiently. The instructions in the owners manual tells you that the front of the deck should be lower.

[@gsxrinfrance5827]

Pernell German...correct, certainly on the husqvana and various others I've had over the years.

[@SgtSnagglePuss]

Yep. Manual states to do like this video does, then when all level it says to: Turn the nut 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.

[@4SA904]

Thats helpfull info. Is there a way to rise the deck up more then 4? When i cut the grass at 4 inches it looks its to low for the grass. Thank you

[@anthonyevangelista1572]

Your garage floor is very clean , you didn’t say anything about a level floor ,Before starting the process .

[@bobopferman1471]

Hi there, I have a L100, 19hp,5spd automatic, the deck has metal plates ,not like yours cable straps, Well, I watched your video about leveling the deck, I did that 2 inch On rear deck, then I did front deck Could not get 2 inches,ONLY 1and a half inches,and the rear turn out to be 2 and a half inches.

[@ucat00]

Should have "first" mentioned to perform this task on a flat leveled surface.

[@james8156]

Thank you !!!