Leveling a Craftsman 42" deck (keeping satisfied customers)

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I had this mower come back after trading for a couple non running Craftsmans because the deck was unlevel. As a compromise I got one of the mowers I traded her running (battery, tire tube) and got this one back while being able to keep the other one for myself so not a bad tradeoff. It's about keeping customers satisfied and both of us came out good on the situation so no complaints. This video walks through how I go about leveling these Craftsman decks so this doesn't happen when I sell this mower the second time around. Learn from mistakes!

[@randallmeyer8647]

I'm glad he did it in the dark. I was afraid I'd be able to actually see what he was doing. I wasn't disappointed.

[@kenny3430]

agree

[@maxwell9734]

Yeah, it's really nice to have to listen to what they're mumbling about, and try to figure it out yourself, because it's so dark you can't see a frikin THING! 😅. Maybe, he wants you to call him and bring it into the garage so he can adjust it for you... 😮 Gotta keep the garage full 👌$

[@islandtrader9055]

The Worst "How To" I've ever watched. A Complete Waste of my Time!!! Unless it's a COMEDY???

[@snatchbloock]

In spite of the poor video production, I used his 2 box method to measure the deck height and sure as hell, I found a 1/2 inch in difference in blade height. His explanation on adjusting the deck was good enough to show me how to do it. My test cut was a success. It's the simple things that usually work.

[@EllisMowersandmore]

This is a really old video and hopefully I've gotten much better in the past few years in video creation. I just keep this video up because it is one of my most watched and I get decent revenue from it. Thanks for watching and I'm glad I could at least help you some!

[@matthewwearsch242]

I adjusted my deck and then mowed 4 lawns by the time you got done

[@spam9419]

Could this guy get to the point!! Good Grief

[@jazielcade1290]

Pro trick: you can watch series at Flixzone. I've been using them for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@edenlevi8494]

@Jaziel Cade Yea, I have been using flixzone for years myself =)

[@denisguertin8668]

I don't think he really knows what he's doing ,I have a craftsmen 42 in. Law tractor and I've adjusted the deck in no time at all and never removed the lift arms .

[@islandtrader9055]

Terrible 😂

[@Thebazzman]

Dude you put me to sleep after 6 minutes!

[@watcherwatchmen7785]

Before you even try to adjust the deck height, check the tire pressure and make sure your tires are aired up at the proper PSI. This is USUALLY the reason it "needs adjustment" or one of the blades might be bent.

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Thanks, I've made improvements since making this video years ago. Proper tire PSI is always first, then check for bent blades, and if that all checks out it's then time to level everything.

[@bobcaygeon4533]

Too funny. I had a mower like this given to me. New to riding mowers. I couldn’t understand why grass was getting scalped on one side. I thought, maybe the tires are low on one side. Sure enough left front tire had 5psi in it. Duh! Pumped them all up to 15 psi. Voila, cuts perfect now. Sometimes it is the simple things.

[@islandtrader9055]

Way too much pressure. 10 ft. 14 r.

[@mtnton1]

Seems to me that adjusting the bracket nut while the bracket is still mounted to the mower would allow you to quickly adjust the height of the deck without fighting to remove and re-install the bracket after adjustments. Thanks for the video. Just a keyboard warrior here, but i'm about to go do the same adjustment now.

[@johnabalos1455]

To get a foolproof an accurate level always measure from blade tip down to concrete not deck to concrete on left an right sides of deck , then a1/4 to 1/2 inch lower in front part of deck.I tried measuring from deck to concrete but found out that one blade spindle was about almost 1/4 in longer than the other.

[@marte1a256]

So how do you level The blades if one spindle is a quarter inch longer?

[@lestergillis8171]

Those leveling rods can become a real SOB to get back in while under a load.

[@paulweber8514]

Its great you had a light -next time try pointing it at what your trying to show us

[@Ryan-kr2ox]

Land your plane boss! Omg! Don't need to see you fumbling around looking for each and every tool! I appreciate your time and effort, but there is sooo much unnecessary footage here 😴😴😴

[@corysgardentractors7084]

there is suppose to be a 1/2'' difference in height from front to back. it helps with the cut. side to side needs to be even

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Thank you, I watched videos where I saw the front is supposed to be a bit lower for various reasons. Probably going to tweak it just a bit in the front as I have it basically even all across right now. This one needed a lot of work to level!

[@robbiemartin987]

It's called putting a level on it to make it actually right

[@philliphall5198]

I bought a cheap plastic gauge from eBay years ago that works of measure from blade to cement, works great

[@BrucesShop]

Every extra modification you are doing I have done in a different way. They are not mistakes. LOL Learning processes. The inside blade was tough for me. Cool to see you into the tractors more and more.

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Thanks Bruce, definitely a learning process on this one and debated even posting the video because of it. A lot of up and down and trial and error. Never leveled the decks on the others I worked on years ago when just starting out so trying to do these right.

[@lestergillis8171]

I have a very similar Craftsman riding mower like that, that I'm working on for an acquaintance. Suspected bad camshaft compression release. Once I deal with THAT issue, I will keep this one in mind.

[@Rjc8888]

Hey, TURN YOUR LIGHT ON.

[@ishbhad]

Measuring with a ruler gives you accurate measurements .

[@billkrause4585]

I need to learn how to level my Craftsman LT2000 is why I'm viewing this video today. Thanks for the info. I wired brushed my front linkage rods and anti-seized the threads so those 3/4" nuts can back out the rods thread. Then I placed both rod linkages back onto the tractor for my adjustment. But, I don't know where the side to side height adjusters are or the rear adjuster. I'll eventually learn and struggle through it. I set a 2X4 wood under the lip of the deck frame in the front to help get those linkage bars back on. '

[@williamcairns7702]

This video was very helpful. I have the same mower and am new to riding mowers in general. I had to go back to watch the video a second time before grasping the lesson, but it was worth it, now that I am knowing what I am doing on my mower.

[@user-du3vo5ld2j]

If I made a vid where over half the "thumbs" were DOWN....I'd remake the vid out of pure shame.

[@charlescoker7752]

I have a Lt 1000 bought in 2000. For some reason The deck does not raise high enough now. How do I adjust it?

[@billkrause4585]

They have a deck leveling tool, I seem John Deer puts out one ($10) that I purchased from Ebay. I seen it used on KZbin, but not on my tractor model.

[@moisheh101]

I appreciate your effort but. You need more lighting and someone that can use the cell phone without it moving. Too much talking

[@CorbinAce]

I hate watching an expert mechanic flounder around in an instruction video showing people what an expert he is on the subject. This could have been done in less than half the time. EXPERT???

[@lesliephillips8099]

I have a mower like the light gray one next to this one. Can you help with how to level the deck on it??

[@MrAvant123]

I looked at the level of my Countax C60 and was surprised how far out it was given the machine is only 3 seasons old, I guess the bumps with tree roots its taken have distorted things somewhat.

[@robwilder9662]

Also, Check tire pressures when setting deck height.

[@Mark-lx2bh]

Jeeesus. Give dude a break. He's working on mowers, not for Paramount Pictures. You can't see in places etc etc. If you couldn't figure out what needs to be done from watching this, you should probably just take it somewhere. A little editing and it would a good video. It already is. Just unnecessarily long. Want only step by step instructions ? Read the manual.

[@davekilgore8969]

This was a real help for me Thank You DK

[@raydrummonds4524]

Get a sewing sliding measure tool, best tool for leveling deck.

[@cccccccmadcreator]

Seems like a good video but the lighting is terrible to demonstrate what is likely an excellent video.

[@justintothetruth]

Wtf does he not make himself watch the video before he posts his videos. Oh that’s realllllll fair. He doesn’t has to sit though it but we do?

[@vangcamps]

Ive got a Craftsman T110, on the driver side, i can get the small rod thru the small bracket (w/ the teeth) but can't connect it all together with the larger bracket. Can you advise please?

[@EllisMowersandmore]

I can do my best. Make sure you have the deck belt disconnected from the main pulley in the front. If you do and still have trouble, you may need to adjust the front bracket, or even drill out the rear bracket a little bit so the rod could go through. Yours is a different design than this but I'm familiar with what you're talking about. If you look up how to attach and adjust a Troy Bilt 42" mower deck that would likely get you what you need.

[@vangcamps]

@@EllisMowersandmore terribly sorry for the late reply. The Craftsman T110 problem is a project on hold - difficulty w/ MGMT! Thank you very much for your help

[@dieselcr81]

You helped me out a ton. Thanks

[@ishbhad]

Your wheels did not look in line . Right one was pointing to the left more.

[@Johnnyreengo]

Next time just film everything when the powers out. We’d probably be able to see more

[@357bullfrog2]

At least he tried. Let's give a man a break

[@davidleatherneck]

Well, according to the Manual, the front of the deck should be 1/2 inch lower than the rear of the deck.

[@user-ic1tl5kn8f]

not only is it dark but the audio is awesome as well ,,,, if you understand mumble

[@DIZ4SHIZNITS]

Thanks for your help man

[@affordableappliancerepair9883]

Besides not really able to see what you are doing. Maybe buy a good light. It shows you have not worked on mowers much. But at least you tried to help others out.

[@EllisMowersandmore]

This was one of my early videos when I first started working on riders after not fixing them for a few years, I encourage you to check out some of my newer content where I have fixed my lighting issues. Not my best video but it is one of my most watched and it still has helped others out so I keep it up.

[@meanddeb2]

This would have been a lot simpler to raise the mower with a jack and adjust the front of the deck with the rods connected to the deck. That rod is not going to connect without some pulling or pushing to line the hole back up .

[@stanleybeebe6603]

need better lighting

[@_bradjohnson]

Change ur title, rambling about mowers and KZbin videos doesn’t level a deck

[@richmartin6363]

This Guy Is The Slowest Person i Have Ever Seen Do This Adjustment!! And He Should Invest In a Tape Measurer, Using The Oil Filter Box’s Are A Joke and Takes To Much Time. Thank you for your Post, I Have Never Adjusted my Deck and I Did Mine in less Than 10 Minutes, And Even went to the bathroom while doing it!!

[@hd28picker]

T a good video. His head is in the way on one shot. No lighting at all on other shots. Can't see anything and worse is the camera moving so much it makes you dizzy. I suggest he learn how to make a video first. Then he should be ok.

[@coreyk5536]

Wow that was painful to watch. Invest in a light too.

[@royedwards3495]

May I suggest putting your camera phone on some kind of stabilizer. Then LIGHT the part you're adjusting. Can't see whay you're doing with all the camera movement...

[@rlac01]

Very poor lighting and vocals.doesnt really show how You level the deck.

[@calvinpointer1197]

I have this same mower, and my deck is too far back on my right side and too far forward on the left. How do I adjust that? Same as this?

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Same way, try the nuts on each side first and then try adjusting the front arms. Sorry this vid is not the best, filmed it a while back in my earlier KZbin days.

[@calvinpointer1197]

@@EllisMowersandmore honestly the video helped a lot more than I thought. Which bolts on the side? Do you mean the ones for the rear pitch of the deck?

[@wesleykoch-wc1yf]

I lost you too many times leaving the area and going to get tools let alone shooting in the dark! I had to stop watching… seeing is believing!

[@pw5207]

Wrong. Leading edge should be lower than rear for air to lift grass. Standard on riding mowers and mulching blades.

[@josekaithamattam3632]

Video is not clear, I don’t understand why the video is making in the night? No one is able to see anything. Thanks

[@Z-Ack]

Bet whoever drives that honda just loves having to share a parking space with mower mans supply..

[@frankdavidson9675]

it simpler to mes. to mower deck you dont have an adj for lower the blades just chek all 4 corners there is an adj for that

[@matthewobrien4225]

This was no help. After watching for a few minutes I fell asleep.

[@noneyerbidness]

My grass grew 4 inches before he got to the point. ^%$#@!

[@jamileepiatt9760]

I have a similar mower how do I adjust the height knob below the dash and below the ampmeter by left foot. I really messed up mine thank you

[@EllisMowersandmore]

If it works right pull the deck to the highest position and turn the knob to raise it, can't remember what way but the diagram on the knob should show. Turn it about 10 to 20 turns and then lower the deck to see if it holds.

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

@@EllisMowersandmore I myself am curious about that knob. I have seen it on some LT-1000s and others not. I just got my first riding mower. Although someone painted it and removed decals, I think it is a 1000. So, the knob discussed I do not know what it is. I have a big grey knob ( no markings or lettering ), it also sits below amp meter, below trottle lever left side. Knob is roughly 2 inch wide. I turn it and can hear a spring grind. I have to pull knob out and it will turn left, right. Is that a deck ajust height knob? Lastly, I just got this mower and wonder if you could look it up to tell me if it has a hydro stat trans and if it is a LT-1000 Looks exactly like one minus all decals gone. All I know is I have a forward a reverse and N. That is it and it moves sorta slow. I assume a Hydro stat? Craftsman 917-270821

[@joesphbaumgardner4579]

Side note- Briggs twin cooled engine 17.5

[@graceywhite2616]

Your awesome!

[@claudecote8130]

what is the proper psi for my tractor

[@EllisMowersandmore]

14 in the front, 10 in the back for most lawn tractors.

[@claudecote8130]

@@EllisMowersandmore thank you very mutch

[@robbiemartin987]

Why not just put a level on it worked way better than a naked eye

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Not a bad practice but with the way decks are stamped it may be hard to figure out what is really level. Deck spindle or blade slightly off, don't have it on perfectly level ground, etc all other factors. I'm sure it works too though. Many ways to do it.

[@CorbinAce]

@@EllisMowersandmore The deck can be a inch off if the blades are level it is right. Common sense. BLADES should be adjusted to a level surface!!! Can the oil filter box. Why didn't you clean up on threads as long as you had the linkage off the mower so you could move the adjustable link. More common sense! Correct tire pressure is also necessary. Owner's manuel are accessible on line. They show the easy way.

[@toothrestorer6588]

@ Robbie Martin. That only works if the surface the mover is sitting on is completely level as well

[@markrobbins8878]

W O R S T video EVER

[@brownsrvlifecampground9322]

You made a cool video

[@Anthony-pm5bn]

OMG -- Is this guy serious ? I just couldn't take it anymore -- Way too slow -- you could have explained all of this in a 5 to 6 minute video -- I am definitely pissed off because I needed this info and just couldn't bear to watch it anymore -- Satisfied Customer ? I don't think so

[@jamesuhl6085]

He's got to have some light to more light you can't see the vedio

[@andrewbratos6907]

could the blades be bent??

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Blades were not bent on this one.

[@mikebender411]

Huh , I'm dizzy

[@stanlycat2146]

Three minutes in, I haven't learned anything yet

[@samkitty5894]

27 minutes for a 3 minute job.

[@user-bo7sv5ud4h]

He talked too much and i still didn’t understand what he was doing, what kind of measurement do he used, he’s a shade tree mechanic 😂

[@jamesuhl7507]

If yo are going to work on mowers in video how about some light

[@timidater4803]

I hate boring videos!! no camera skills and no light!!

[@mikes6371]

Holy smokes! Total waste of time...hey bud, invest in a drop light...you can get one at Home Depot.

[@djmjr77]

Why would you film a video in the dark .. pointless ..

[@jasonwellerlacrosse7102]

Wow takes forever.. and still doesn’t know what he’s doing

[@DMPB-fi2ir]

3 minutes of yack yack yack at start ... then rest poor lighting poor quality video dont waste time go find a better made video

[@davehart5215]

Awful video. Dark, can't see.

[@TheMan-ue7ri]

Blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah ......so here we go . More blah blah blah .

[@wannagofacofflavazza6809]

Dude you talk to much just so it Jesus

[@rayhopkins4425]

Edit this video down four minutes..... Zzzzzzzzzzz

[@eddienylund6736]

wtf

[@hanscloss4063]

wasting time watching this

[@michaelmorley331]

Too much useless dalogue...