How To Correctly Set the Deck Wheels on a Riding Lawn Mower Tractor

Are your gauge wheels worn out and creating ruts on your lawn? Is your ride on mower scraping your grass? Find out how your free hanging deck is supposed to work and how to adjust the anti scalp wheels so the mowing deck doesn't destroy your lawn.
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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly.
Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment.
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Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.
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Disclosure: This KZbin video is provided for informational purposes only. Steve is a qualified small engine mechanic and is working in an open and fully ventilated shop for the purpose of making this video. Small engines should be operated outside in fully ventilated areas only and it is important that you wear the appropriate safety gear. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. Please ensure that you take all proper safety measures before attempting any project.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

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[@dmullinax1000]

I just bought my first riding mower, a John Deere S130. I'm reading all of my instruction manual, and didn't understand the section on "Adjusting Mower Deck Wheels." Your video makes sense, and now I understand it better. Reading this entire manual, thoroughly.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@tedthomas3727]

I discovered Steve's videos about a year ago. They are my go to for guidance. I have learned so much from these. I also like seeing what beer he is featuring in the video. Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@benandsylvia]

Man, you remind me of my Dad. A retired factory maintenance worker who fixed everything or would improvise like Macgyver. He'd set up shop in the morning (coffee) by the afternoon (beer) as he fixed the neighbor's lawn mowers, washing machines, microwaves , vacuums etc. In the evening (whiskey) he had a board meeting ( 5 neighbor's picking up whatever they dropped off for him to fix while having a drink with him.) He charged them absolutely nothing. In fact sometimes he paid for the parts himself. He was in asset to his community and a great father. Everyone misses him. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@alanross3435]

You’re a lucky man!☮✌🏻

[@davidcunningham8319]

I inherited my Husqvarna 48in mower from my dad after he passed. It is 15 years old or so and still has the original anti-scalp rollers. He showed me the logic behind them. I took his word for it because he always kept his equipment in top-notch shape. Heck, he had a 40 year old Sears push mower that only had the blade, wheels and pull cord replaced.

[@1999Shortstuff]

I have been cutting grass with a riding mower for 50+ years and I never knew how scalp wheels worked. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tlm3574]

I just level the deck and set the scalp wheel 1/2 inch lower than bottom of deck. Done.

[@yogibeer9319]

This channel is ole Yogi’s happy place, lol! I got 40 + old live oak and water oak trees and their roots in this Florida sandy mucky ground that it has turned my yard into a riding mower demolition derby. I’ve got an old JD 105 that has so many parts welded on it from other mowers I call it Frankenmower 😂 Had the wind knocked out of me a few times from the steering wheel where I wasn’t paying attention 🤕. Thanks for another great video Steve!

[@49oldmachinist43]

some people make it easy to learn, your one of them , thanks for easy DIY videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@poofypoopy8838]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I've got a John deere l120 and it cuts unevenly. How do i adjust the deck. Mine doesn't have the rod and nut for adjustment. Its a plate on both sides with a bolt and nut. Hopefully that makes sense.

[@johnhamilton9229]

Hi Steve, armed with this information maybe the will be less scalping. Less scalping equals a nicer lawn to look at with a really cold beer. I’m one of the few that reads and files my manuals,doesn’t always mean I remember it all. 😁thanks Steve.

[@TonyFromarty]

Thanks! I was scraping my lawn when mowing at 2inches height and wondered if the guide wheels needed to be moved, came looking on youtube and here is the answer.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@lendermanshop]

Always looking for the TRUTH these days!!! Thanks for the information, still very relevant!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@vayo2612]

Great Video. You're right, I don't read the manuals. But with people like out there, I now make a lot fewer mistakes. You are GREAT at this, please keep at it!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@foo4572]

I remember my late father looking at our John Deere X540 and said to me ‘ those wheels shouldn’t be riding on the ground ‘.... just proves he was right as he usually was ... 😀👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@sctony2000]

Thank you. I was just going to lower the wheels on my brand new zero turn. I will leave them set where they are already.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jcheney2473]

just a quick shout out to say thanks. i watched this video the other day to see how to set my wheels on my deck. after watching your video i reset my wheels and today when i mowed my lawn...finally no gouges. again, thanks for the videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it helped!

[@alloutofdonuts3998]

Funny, I replaced mine last year. I put them in the same spots the old worn out ones were. Now the front ones are worn out again. Glad to know how they’re actually supposed to be set now so when I replace them AGAIN, it’ll be correct!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on buddy!

[@mblack360]

Your videos are amazing. This fixed my mower, previous owner had the scalp wheels in the top holes. My yard looked terrible. Now it's fixed!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@pleappleappleap]

I was looking for information about this subject because I have my deck off, so I thought I'd adjust these while I was at it. I *just knew* you'd have the information I needed.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@MKrebs-kl7ud]

Damn- I gonna readjust my X500’s wheels. They been leaving ruts for like the last 10 years. Thanks Steve! Nice Bavaria beer from Holland.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@generalpublic3744]

Something you don't pay attention to, but clearly you should! Very helpful, thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're very welcome!

[@mikew.5873]

Man who would have guessed that they're not supposed to ride on the ground. Thanks again Steve.🇺🇲😎

[@joemalcom7029]

You are right Steve. Nobody reads owners manuals anymore when you have great informative videos like yours. Love them so much I subscribed. Drink a beer!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks 👍

[@dagrote1]

No one reads them because they're so ineptly written they're almost unintelligible. Another reason is that 80% of them are designed only avert lawsuits. Do we really need to be told not to stick our heads underneath the deck when the blades are running?

[@TexasScout]

I bought a Huskvarna 54" Zero turn several years ago at Lowes. It was a "customer return". My buddy told me the guy didn't like the way it cut grass. I bought it for a little more than half price and took it home. Well, I figured out why the guy didn't like it. He never adjusted the anti-scalp wheels at all! They were all the way up! Reset them like yours and I was good to go.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on buddy....

[@brianbailey462]

up..... but the problem with your comment is that his were all the way up also....

[@TexasScout]

@@brianbailey462 Iadjusted them all the way DOWN.

[@brianbailey462]

@@TexasScout so that means you are cutting higher than before? But possibly rolling on those wheels a lot more as well?

[@TexasScout]

@@brianbailey462 I set the deck at 2.75" then adjusted the deck wheels to just touch the ground.

[@berjo77]

Your other advice I’ve used has all been helpful, so I DO believe you! I’ll double check mine tomorrow!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@PowerHouse716]

Hey thanks for the videos. I have JD 108 lawn tractor that started cutting unevenly. After searching UTube for adjustment solutions, I couldn’t find one. I remembered a video you made that said that one should check the tire pressure before any other adjustments. In that I didn’t find any adjustments on my tractor I fortunately remembered your statement and the truth that it bore. Thanks for the great advice! I owe you a six pack!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@ProteusDIY]

Thanks man. Super helpful. I just got a free x300 mower and set the wheel height properly thanks to your vid! Love your videos!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@tonym6920]

The best floating deck I had, was on a simplicity riding mower that I had a long time ago.

[@TonyPanama]

Thank you Steve, I just slayed down sod and to my horror I scalped some sloppy areas in my E140. I was just about to buy a second mower until I saw this. You really saved me time & money, thanks again!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@bikdav]

Thank you for showing me this. My owners manual said nothing about them. My new mower has them completely off the ground in the lowest setting. I'll fix it.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@CooganBear]

Mine was riding right on the ground. Going to raise them up a notch today. Thanks again Steve. :)

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@johno2355]

Right on , never knew that, good info. Sounds like a great Sunday afternoon job in the spring and a good reason to spend some time out in the shop.👍🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@robertcurtiss9871]

Stevo! Took care of my simple problem, but, DUH, I needed your help - THANKS!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@rogersutton3581]

Thanks Steve Always learning from your videos ! I’ve always said the day you don’t learn something is a wasted day 🤗🤗👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Absolutely

[@shawnlewis8955]

Thank you so much. I have my first 53 inch John Deere zero turn so your information was valuable. Thanks again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@denverglenn7733]

I am glad I found your website. You have already given me two very good things for mine .thanks a lot and keep on truck

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@johnr5179]

Hi Steve. Thanks again. I’m ashamed to admit i adjusted mine with a lump hammer last summer. Will do it properly from now on!!

[@BearE9090]

I've never own a rider mower but this tip will be very use full in the future.

[@alishabee5131]

Thank you! I can’t believe how simple it is!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@jimdevoe8364]

People have already said it below,....you make life much simpler

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@rogerthomas169]

I love your channel, have learned a lot, but, I have never heard of anyone mowing their lawn as low as 1 and a half inches, maybe it's just a different part of the country

[@themogul5846]

*_Steve is the best! Much love from Bangor, Maine._*

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@ammobake]

I run a craftsman riding lawnmower from 1987 and it's still in great condition. One thing I noticed for parts, some stuff like starter solenoids count as engine parts. I called craftsman last summer looking for a starter solenoid and the lady didn't know what I was talking about. So in some cases you can't buy specific parts from your mower's manufacturer but have to get them from other vendors. Also, 6 months later I was in the local O'Reilly auto parts store and sure enough they carried a limited supply of riding lawnmower parts and the part I needed was there.

[@darringallant]

Always a great explanation Steve, you're the best! 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad you think so!

[@semco72057]

That is so true and I need to check mine again while Winter is here so the mowers will be ready for Spring when I have to take them back out and get back to cutting. Everyone should check their mowers and adjust their deck wheels or replace any bad wheels.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks Sid....

[@tonymontana897]

Thanks for the video Steve. I have the one on the left practically worn flat while the right one is good. i have purchased two new ones and will be replacing them both, plus adjust the mower deck height too. It's low on one side.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@harleyjim1st]

Another great post Steve. Really enjoy them. Keep 'em coming.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@lowtideclyde]

Thanks Steve, I learned something new today, always a pleasure to see you videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear it

[@richardcaton9395]

Ha! So that's what those wheels are really there for. Thanks for the education. Now I have to get them set up right and proper.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help!

[@JazzyJS58]

I am glad he showed me that I got my JD. tractor from a relative didn't have no manual I will definitely check it out.👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@PapaPietro11]

First of all, great beer selection. Second, very informative video. Issue solved. Thank you !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kennethdileo6578]

Beer is always good when your working on your equipment 👍

[@1keykneedeep]

Nice little piece of knowledge Steve. Happy Mowing buddy

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@Losi5t20]

Just got a ARIENS 46in mower and have to replace the blade engage cable. Notice the wheels on left side are all the way down. Right side are Raised to highest Hole. Your was a great help. Thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@michaeloudeans3672]

Great video Steve. As always very informative. I knew what the wheels were for but did not know how to set them. Adios my friend. Muchas gracious .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@hotrodhotrod-wc3bu]

another great video man. ive been haveing this problem since i bought my john deer. every time I watch your videos i always learn something new thanks again bud have one for me by the way.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@alsims8280]

Merry Christmas Steve! Thanks for the common sense help and tips!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@TheEaglesvisions]

Steve always enjoy bro;-) not only are you a gentleman and a scholar you're a wizard too! Be blessed throughout the holidays and best of the new year bro to you and yours. Kindest Brother Brian

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks Brian, you too...

[@kenhardscapenovice6387]

Thanks Steve! Your advice is greatly helpful

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear it!

[@febeleven]

I just watched a couple of videos and I feel so much smarter, by the time I watch more I'll be intelligent! Love your videos.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Cool!

[@alhearn2688]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon hi steve what type of grease fitting fits or goes on a troy bilt ride on mower model 13bb78bs563 serial 1d27mb40246 i have a 90 but i cannot get it to work the grease fitting strikes the rin on the tire of this machine

[@simonkenton5927]

Hey Steve just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your videos and wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas have a great year and remember to keep Christ in your life. Simon

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@tonysmith5465]

Very good video friend. Keep up the great work. Thanks a lot. SC Navy vet.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@malekabusalah527]

Hi Steve even though, I didn’t like your advertisement video for the very expensive stihl oil mix but I got to admit I learned something new today about these scalp wheel . Thanks a lot for this little information.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@hughbo52]

Way to go Steve. Again, nice to know useful information .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@xmarkmechanic1]

Glad you did a video on this common issue. I see them worn so bad they wear a groove in the deck bracket. Setting the wheels too low is also one of the culprits for breaking the mount off the deck.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@bert7478]

That literally just happened to me. I had the blades replaced and noticed the first cut after that was scalping... today... the whole mount broke off.. now what 😳

[@xmarkmechanic1]

@@bert7478 In the mower shop we would weld them back on the deck. Any weld shop or mower shop should help. A competent mower repair shop should also level your deck.

[@bert7478]

@@xmarkmechanic1 thank you so much-loved. I talked to my neighbor and he said he can do it! I'm so glad I don't have to replace the deck or worse, the whole mower!!

[@markbritzman3598]

Thank you for your videos I always like tips on how to repair my small equipment pieces

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@georgelackey622]

Thanks for all the great info! Merry Christmas!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Thanks for sharing Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@adriancadorin476]

Thanks Steve now my lawn looks tops

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rickwashek478]

Good info, no better time to crack open a cold one, as I watch your video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@blackhorse2947]

Always great information Steve. I keep all your videos and they have saved me $$$ over time…….. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear it

[@CourtesyToot]

I can use this knowledge on the job and save CX some frustration, Thanks Steve!! Cheers 🍻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@golddigge1]

Thanks for the tip. Got mine all set now . Thanks bro.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@rayburnett3066]

I agreed with you. There is a lawn service that cuts across the road ,and they scrape the ground every time they go across a small bank

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@DeeDiesel]

Thanks Steve I have a molar farm trike ride on which has kind of like dolly wheels on it but same principle and I’ve had them running on the ground so I’ve been doing the wrong thing, I thought something wasn’t right and this confirms it, thanks again mate have a merry Christmas, hey I love that video with you & Buchin about the fitting axe handles ❤️

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Dee, Thank You...

[@jwjco]

Steve Merry Christmas , we are looking forward to more videos to start out the new year

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@pathdoc60]

Good tip, thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kennynickell9883]

Hey Steve, call me old school but I like to grease the deck wheel axle even tho the wheels aren't there to support the deck..Thx for teaching me lots about JD mower decks..

[@1903bretep]

Thanks Steve another great video, best wishes for 2019.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@billsmith8238]

Thanks cold beer & merry Christmas

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@kevinwoodcock7578]

The merriest of Christmas wishes to you and your Family Steve, and a very prosperous New year. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@jamesbutler5010]

@@StevesSmallEngineSaloon I have a Scag and with the antiscalp wheel not touch ing you scalp yard

[@shawnbeck2303]

I changed my blades on my LA 130. Reset the deck at 2.5 inches with a 2.0 inch blocks. Then went out and cut my grass. Scalped the grass alot. Just found out. I needed to reset my scalping wheels. Really thought I goofed up. Thanks, Small engine man. Shawn.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good stuff

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

👍🏻👌🏻Excellent information, really appreciated. Thankyou, cheers from 🇦🇺.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@oldmanf2986]

I did not know that so good to know. Now hopefully I can keep from scalping my prized moss and weeds 😄 very good video thank you👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Adamthebuilder]

Love your videos man let’s keep the beer flowing!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks! Will do!

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

Thanks Steve. Happy yule tide to you and your family.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@redeagle6842]

Another great informative video Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@tkskagen]

Another great educational video Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@davestuart6593]

Another thing to check,before spring,again thx

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@kevchard5214]

Steve Great taste in beer! I grew up in a small engine shop and I haven't seen a single vid I disagree with yet but sometimes the beer choice. LOL

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@64t120r]

Hahahahaha! I don't drink, but I always look forward to seeing what Steve's Beer Da Jour is.

[@markk827]

Always great video pointers. Cheers!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jimbos1567]

Well I just learned something. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@davessmallenginerevival2847]

Great video. Thank you sir. I see this problem a lot

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@gracesun3448]

Thanks a lot for this video, which is exactly I am looking for.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tylerjacquelinematheson8368]

I admire your skillsets fella!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@jerrymiller7708]

Love it, not too wordy, you dont insult my intelligence. Well done.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@agonyacres]

Thanks that helped me out a lot after leveling deck

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear!

[@radsan3006]

Thanks Steve, that was very helpful!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to hear it!

[@pixaxeprepper384]

Excellent information. Now I know.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RafaelValentinmedina]

Great video, I learned a lot. Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@dougsaint4394]

Great advice always had my dragging gonna fix that.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@Faithwitness]

Excellent, thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...