How to Level Mower Deck on John Deere E120 Tractor Style Mower | FIX mower cutting uneven

Step by Step How to Level the John Deere E120 Riding mower deck.
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[@nperson]

This is the correct method of leveling the deck. Other videos show leveling using the edge of the deck and not the blade ends. Perhaps John Deere needs to clarify this in the manuals.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, this is the way you want to do it. Most manuals have this method listed in it. Have you seen one that doesn't talk about this method?

[@nperson]

@@WesternEquipment manual shows this method as a second option with the first option just measuring from the edge of the deck.

[@cubsfan696]

Best video for this process by far. Thanks brother..

[@jameswfarmer526]

Great video clarifying how to properly adjust the blades.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@jameswfarmer526]

As a new owner of a S120, I found the tires very over inflated, adjusted left side blade down, and lowered the front to match your video instructions. Thanks for the support from your video!

[@WranglerRunner1]

The most helpful video out there for leveling an E-series deck. Thanks, my E180 has been scalping so I'm hoping I can get that fixed.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I am glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@gordonhutchinson529]

Just bought an S120 from Home Depot. I measured back tires on one that was inside the store, one side was 12 the other 22. Nice forthcoming employee said the only thing they did when they got them in was mount the steering wheel and the seat. Will be doing this before anything else! Thanks, nice job...

[@WesternEquipment]

Unfortunately, we hear of this being a pretty common thing. I am glad you caught it and glad I could help. Thanks for watching!

[@imdeplorable2241]

Great video. I own an E120 so, this really helps me. The side-to-side level is obvious but, I never knew about the 1/8" front-to-rear difference. So, thank you for that. Well done, sir.👍

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and I'm glad I could help you out. Thanks for watching!

[@kendhooge6334]

Me either!

[@jameswfarmer526]

Thanks for the response. I am using the 3 inch measurement. So far in following your video I still have room on the hangers. The tires have made a big difference for traction where you are on sloped yards and paying attention to the max slope recommended.

[@WesternEquipment]

Good deal! Thanks again for watching!

[@johnmedrano110]

THANK YOU. I LEARNED ALOT

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I'm glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

As always a great video! Lots of great information! Thanks for everything that you do! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!

[@WesternEquipment]

As always thanks for the continued support!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

@@WesternEquipment you're welcome 😊

[@sprucet9639]

I really appreciate the video, well explained sir,thanks so much.

[@jameswfarmer526]

S-120, changed out rear tires to the knobby for traction due to sloped yard. Having issue trying to adjust the blade height to accommodate the size change in tires using the Carlisle 20x8.00-8.

[@WesternEquipment]

This may be a deal where you have to make some custom deck hangers underneath.

[@geraldburrow3524]

Good to know..thank you

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad I could help and thanks for watching!

[@MEEMOSS77]

Will this be done the same way on the S100? My thought is yes, but just want to make sure. My yard is quite bumpy of a ride so I go slow I just want to make sure that everything is working perfectly. Sure beats using a push mower up and down my sloped backyard. It takes longer to weed eat than it does to mow.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, it is the same procedure. Thanks for watching!

[@teeb9969]

I tried measuring tape and ruler to tip of blade 😂…too much struggling. Right idea, wrong tool. I went ahead and bought it it’s only 10 bucks on Amazon. Thank you

[@rhodacarter6900]

Thank you for all your videos. While I was waiting (months) for my first riding mower, JD S120 [which I bought because of your video], to be delivered I watched this video many times so when the mower was finally delivered and had an uneven cut, I knew what the problem was. I'm a 70 year old woman who has been pushing a mower for more than 35 years so riding is all new to me. I called JD and they came back out and leveled the deck. Ten days later when I cut the grass, it was a terrible sight. The cut on one side was so deep, I couldn't even fix it with the push mower. I took pictures and went to the DJ distributor. He said for it to be cutting that deep, it had to be tire pressure since he was the one who came out and leveled the deck. So my question... I will check the level according to the video above but I'm not sure where the "tip" is (don't laugh). Is it the lowest vertical point on the blade or the longest horizontal point of the blade. I also have another question. When the mower was delivered, I was told I needed to make an appointment to have the bagger put on since it had been delivered 2 months earlier. I watched you put the bagger on several times, so I tried to do it myself. Not sure I got it right though. It cloggs constantly and will only fill one bag. I've taken it off and reattached it several times and still the same thing. What did I miss? I'm purchasing the tools shown, so as soon as they arrive, I'll be ready to go. Thanks for any advice.

[@WesternEquipment]

First of all thank you so much for watching and I am glad I could help you with your decision on your purchase. As far as the bagger goes, if it is catching grass then it sounds like to me that you have everything attached correctly. The clogging is usually caused by humidity or dampness of the grass. This will also cause the grass to only want to fill one bag if it is not loose enough to spill over into the second bag. This may be an issue where you need to try to cut at the hottest part of the day, which I know is not ideal, to make sure all of the moisture is out of the grass before you mow. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@rhodacarter6900]

@@WesternEquipment Thank you for help with the bagger. My sister bought the E100 last year and was having the same problem with the bagger. I encouraged her to also subscribe to your channel. I just received my package from Western Equipment -- can't believe it came so fast. Please thank Angela G. for picking and packing my items. While I was waiting for the package, I did check the psi in the tires and all four are 10psi. I know now the back tires should be 14psi, which I can do. Can you tell me about using the Leveling Guage, is the tip you refer to the low vertical point on the blade or the horizontal end of it. Thank you again for making the videos, which help people like me ... and my sister. I love how your shop is so sparkling clean.

[@petesmith3923]

Brent another great video. I am thinking about buying a JD S130. I currently have an RX95. I have a hill on the front of my yard that I have to cut going across it instead of up and down the hill. My old mower had an extra set of gauge wheels on the rear of the deck to improve the cut. Does John Deere offer these for the 100 series mowers? Maybe a third party vendor?

[@Velandra84]

Thank you so much!! I followed a different video last year and I think I totally messed everything up. This was very helpful. I do have a question.. the tool that you are using - is it plastic or metal? I ordered one from Amazon but it isn't official John Deere so I am wondering how it compares. My concern is the bottom is slightly bent which could mess with measurements. But I wanted to say a big thank you for teaching me how to take my deck off to switch blades and level my deck! I feel really good about this. You should see the before and after picture of my deck

[@WesternEquipment]

Well I am glad that I could help. The gauge I am using is plastic and yes, sometimes they do get a bit bent you just have to make sure it isn't affecting the gauge to sit flat. Thank you for watching!

[@TrueFollowerOfChrsit]

Great video! QQ - If you're cutting at 3-3.5, where do you need to put the scalping wheels?

[@tonyshaieb5603]

What setting you put the scalp wheels at

[@WesternEquipment]

Top notch for 1-1.5" cutting height, 2nd notch from top for 1.5-2", 3rd notch for 2-3" and bottom notch for 3-4". THanks for watching!

[@Tigerfan50]

Great video! Thanks.

[@Mike-ks3yq]

Great Job on All of the S120 videos! Is the socket size the same for an S120 as it is on an E120 for adjusting the leveling deck? You say 15MM for the E120.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes it should be the exact same. Thanks for watching!

[@rollinmreeder]

Excellent video...thank you!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@squeezeboxVerna]

I noticed the deck on the right side is really close to the back tire. I got the same problem on my S180, with very little to nothing clearance. Is there a way to move the deck forward? The tire pressure is correct.

[@benk4881]

Can I do the same on the S130 , setting at 3 inches, book says to do 2 1/4 butr my hanging rods are almost bottomed out......

[@joedyer1785]

Thanks

[@WesternEquipment]

Thanks for watching!

[@lawlessize]

Hi My x167 rear deck links need to be adjusted up to almost to their maximum travel to level the deck. This machine has only 50 hours on it. Any ideas why this is so ?. Many thanks for the really informative videos

[@jameswfarmer526]

??The Does the S-120 have a differential lock?

[@WesternEquipment]

No, it does not. You don't start getting the differential lock until the X500 series.

[@imogenbrown6290]

So the tool is just measuring inches distance from the (shed) floor to the bottom outboard end of the blade correct? Just that I don't have a tool so will use a steel ruler and headlamp until Santa comes along.. (Brand new E120 owner here and loving it) Great job on your Vids too mate... and cheers from Down Under.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, that is the way to do it so your method would work. Thanks for the compliment and thanks for watching!

[@Rtx_Fred]

Is there another way to level the deck with out the leveling kit ?

[@WesternEquipment]

Some people will cut a short block of wood 2"-2.5" long and then adjust their deck height the that height and then use the wood to slide under the blade tip and then adjust until it is at the desired height.

[@Rtx_Fred]

@@WesternEquipment thanks

[@alodachowski7735]

Brent...where do you obtain the measuring device you are using to level ?

[@WesternEquipment]

Here is a link that will take you to our website so you can purchase 247parts.com/am130907-mower-deck-level-gauge-1/. Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@alodachowski7735]

Thanks... ordered it....to arrive 5-7-22 for my new 2022 S100

[@ChadDidNothingWrong]

8:53 Is that other yellow hole next to your finger meant for a coarse adjustment? (To lower the front by one full inch I guess?)

[@WesternEquipment]

That is a good question. I was not able to find anything in the operator manual on these other holes. I will try to dig further into this and see what answer I can come up with. Thanks for watching!

[@lonniecurtis3540]

hi Brent,how do i adjust deck for the turning it seems to mohawk when i turn,sometimes,and can i do anything to make the engine save gas or no,i have a 2021 s130,thanks Brent.any stickers yet,thanks

[@WesternEquipment]

The turning issue is a tough one. This usually only happens when the grass is tall and usually this can be avoided just by slowing down a bit when you turn. As far as the fuel saving, I do not know of anything that can be done unfortunately. Lastly yes, we do have stickers. If you can send me an email to [e-mail] with you mailing info I will get you a few sent out. Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@SuperMartind28]

Hey Brent, I have a question. Do you know what socket size the bolt is that holds the Oil filter housing onto the motor? I'm swapping out the quick change oil filter to the standard oil filter. The bolt is huge and I can't figure out the exact size socket to get for the change. Thanks Jay

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, this takes a 1-1/8" socket. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@brownsrvlifecampground9322]

You made a cool video 😎

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@TEXASBOYZ-mu4yo]

Would it be the same for the s120

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, same setup and everything. Thanks for watching!

[@victoroliver530]

Can I use this gage to level my Z530M mower?

[@WesternEquipment]

Of course you can! This is the gauge to use on any mower.

[@godwhomismike]

I have a unrelated question - I have a PTO switch on order for my 2016 John Deere S240, and I think more of the issue is the wiring harness that it plugs into isn't making a good connection on the two purple (safety) signal wires that carries 12V to the solenoid when starting as long as all the safety modules are activated. What should I do to get a better signal from those two plugs on that part of the harness? Do I add a little Dielectric Grease to those two pins, although from what I see, it does not carry electric, but will help with corrosion, likely from snowblower use in the winter. Or, do I get conductive electrical grease, and apply it with a toothpick and hope it doesn't spread far to cause a short. Thoughts?

[@WesternEquipment]

I would suggest changing the pins on the harness that you are having trouble with and then applying dielectric grease to help prevent any future corrosion. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@noelmeyer1384]

I realize this is coming late, however two things - 1) should you not disconnect the battery or spark plug wire when moving the blades by hand? 2) instead of the blade, could you not use the bottom of the deck as your measuring point on deck height?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, I should have done this for sure, mistake on my part. And yes, you could, but your measurement may not be consistent with you cut height reading on your mower since the edge of the deck sits lower than the blade tip. To make sure your height adjustment lever reading and actual blade cutting height match you need to do your measurement from the blade tip. Thanks for watching!

[@samthecat2700]

Did the unit come this way from the factory?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes you have to level it after getting it from factory. It’s part of the setup process

[@waynepeters4611]

Just purchased new S120 off the trailer gas gauge E33 code will not read only thing I did was fill it with

[@WesternEquipment]

These mowers have a 2 year/120 hour warranty so I would have this looked at by your local dealer. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@jmgmobile]

How often should blade leveling be done? Is this a once a season task? Every 50 hours? Whenever you hit a rock?

[@WesternEquipment]

I would say it depends on how bumpy your terrain is. The more often the better if you are particular about your cut quality. Thanks for watching!

[@jmgmobile]

@@WesternEquipment I appreciate the response. I've watched a few of your videos, and they've been very helpful. Thanks again!

[@jp-us9rq]

Can u give me a favor I put a video on you tube its jp hear the power u will here my e130 it sounds like crap but john deere says it fine will u listen to it dont use a phone because u won't hear it something with a decent speaker thanks maybe it is normal idk

[@WesternEquipment]

Sounds like it is surging or cutting out some. Sounds like a fuel issue. Could be many things from bad fuel or maybe a dirty carburetor.

[@tjshively01]

You never mentioned TIRE pressure must be EQUAL

[@WesternEquipment]

My apologies but yes the tire pressure must be up to spec on the machine.

[@jamesbarber3044]

Move camera too fast could not see were to position leveling tool

[@WesternEquipment]

Sorry about that! Hopefully I have done better in newer videos. Thanks for watching!

[@kl3mm3r86]

Who ever designed this clearly sits in a office... And the leveler...that cheap plastic pos is a damn joke. Bought 3 in the 2 years I've owned an S120, not a single one has really been level. They're all warped.

[@WesternEquipment]

Hey I'm all about hearing opinions. I have had great luck with my leveling gauges. I am sorry to hear of your bad experience but thanks for watching!

[@themadhatterxxx]

My S120 doesn't stay level...one side keeps getting lower. I have to level it every time I want to mow. It's annoying as hell.

[@kl3mm3r86]

@@themadhatterxxx bro!!! Same here every time no matter what it's always off and my lawn looks horrible. I don't know if it's do to a floating deck, the hangers, the deck itself is warped or what but I never get a level cut even though I level it before each mow.

[@jaysongrimes9032]

Why are they still putting the cheap stamped deck on these mowers?? Damn shame

[@WesternEquipment]

Personally I am of fan of the stamped decks. Better air flow, less places underneath to catch grass and dirt, also easier to maneuver when you have them off since they aren't so bulky and heavy. For the type of mowing these mowers should be doing, a manufactured deck would be overkill.

[@jaysongrimes9032]

@@WesternEquipment have to agree to disagree

[@fattysgarage1754]

@@WesternEquipment Can't agree more. I have a stamped deck on my current 16 year old Troy-Bilt and still work perfect here in South Florida using it 12 month's a year. For commercial use, sure, need fabricated deck. Will be buying the S120 shortly. Thanks for the great video's!

[@JacobTerherst]

@@jaysongrimes9032 I hate that Ford didn’t put the F750 frames under the Ford Ranger…