My riding lawnmower was cutting great on level 5 but after a year, it’s cutting to a level 1, down to the roots, no green grass left. I didn’t know how to adjust the deck so I was using my push mower instead but that’s too much work. Thanks to videos like these, helps people like me know what needs to be done. I hope Sears can fix my non-Sears brand deck, to cut higher (leaving plenty of green grass).
This is a good video, I can apply this same procedure to my John Deere LA105 because it has similar adjustment points. I saw different videos talking about how to do this procedure but no actual video I could find. Finally I found some instructions that make sense. Thanks for the post!
I have a cable list mechanism for my deck on a Huskee garden tractor. The deck is in the highest cut selection position and it is cutting way too low. I need to learn how to fix or adjust this type of lifting mechanism.
@1:55, "Then, raise the attachment lift-lever to the highest position." Is is too much to ask that you indicate which lift-number raises the attachment to its highest position? On Model #917.25081, would that be #6? - from what I can see, the Operator's Manual fails to specify as well..
This would be a great video on how to level the deck except that you don't show how to measure on the left side of the deck where there is no opening to access the blade. I took a short block of wood 4 inches long and placed it on end against the side of the sharp edge of the blade. I then used a pencil to draw a line along the blade edge on the wood block. Then measured from the end of the block to the line.
I had the same challenge. I got a Stens 750-442 Deck Leveling Gauge to solve for it. It was under $10. 2 years later today will be my first use. Wish me luck 😀
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual on a typical Craftsman LT1000 lawn tractor that shows how to level the mower deck: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917272751-craftsman-parts-lawn+tractor-manual
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual on a Craftsman LT2000 model: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917289100-craftsman-parts-tractor-manual?sid=soc:youtube:c Page 24 of that manual shows how to level the deck from front to back.
Only impossible for you Gabe. A smart man doesn't bitch about engineers, he cuts off a wooden ruler so that it fits under the deck. Then he uses a mirror and a light to read the ruler.
We don’t have the blade level height specification for that model at the highest setting. Maximum blade height is likely about 4 inches. We don’t have a video for leveling the deck on that model but we do have an online copy of the owner’s manual that shows how to level the mower deck. Here’s a link for the manual: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917272680-craftsman-parts-manual The deck leveling procedure is on page 23 of the manual.
my problem is at the highest lever setting ( 5 ) the blade tips measure 2 3/4" and the deck rollers bottom out at the middle lever setting ( 5 ) ??? A local shop replaced a blade spindle and blades last fall !!!
Blade height at the highest lever setting on most riding mowers is about 3-1/2 inches. Try using the deck height adjustment instructions in your owner’s manual to adjust deck height to that position. Also, check the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the deck rollers’ heights. Adjust the deck rollers’ heights if necessary after adjusting mower deck height. If these tips don’t help, let us know the model number of your riding mower and we’ll try to help you further.
I haven't seen an adjustment for the right side. I'm guessing here: Adjust the left side to match the right. No , Wait , Move the left side by half of the difference. Yes that's it. 3/4 inch difference requires 3/8 inch adjustment. Wrong or Right ?
The right side is fixed on many mowers. Because the right side is fixed, you'll typically need to adjust the left side the full ¾-inch difference to level the deck.
At the end of the video the nuts that they are adjusting to bring the front of the deck up: I am mission that whole bar/long bolt that the nuts are on that they are tightening. What is the name of that bar and part number please.
That’s a Deck Lift Link, part 195270 for that riding mower. Here’s a link for the part: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/195270/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c
What does it mean when the belt starts off fully seated and properly installed, yet after a few minutes of running, twists on it's own and fly's off? Apparently, I'm the only one with this issue as I can find nothing about it anywhere, and of course my 54" YT4500 is just out of warranty so Sears will not cover anything.
We don’t recommend trying to fit a larger tire on the mower to raise the mower deck because uou probably wouldn’t have enough clearance between the rear tires and the mower deck. Using larger tires would also exert more strain on the transaxle and engine, so we recommend that you stick with the standard size tires recommended for that model of tractor.
so can anybody explain to me how to measure the blade height when is blade facing front to back the show measuring the front of the blade easy enough what about the back of the blade with a deck is? if you have any ideas on measuring the blade on the back of the deck for leveling the deck?
Because you already leveled the blades side-to-side, you just have to measure the front and back of the blade on the side with the discharge chute. Lift the chute guard and carefully hold a 6-inch ruler next to the back of the blade while looking through the discharge chute to see the blade height.
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual for a common MTD Yard Machine tractor: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/13as699g088-mtd-parts-mtd+lawn+tractor-manual?sid=soc:youtube:c Page 7 of that manual shows how to level the deck. If you have a different type of MTD Yard Machine tractor and that procedure doesn’t work for your model, let us know the model number of your tractor and we’ll try to find that manual for you.
+Stephen Newberry Leveling the deck adjusts the blades for an even cut. There should be a nut at the end of each lift rod that you can use to level the deck. Some models only have one adjustment rod on the side of the tractor to level the deck. Be sure to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure before leveling the deck.
Fill the tires to the maximum pressure allowed on each tire. After preparing the mower to level the deck as shown in the video, set your deck height at the highest cutting position. Position the blades side-to-side and measure the height of the cutting blades. To raise the cutting blades higher, turn the lift link lock nuts on both sides of the deck clockwise in small increments, alternating sides until you reach a blade height of 4 inches. Once you reach the desired height, level the blades side-to-side and front-to-back as shown in the video. Depending on your tractor model, you may not be able to raise blade height to 4 inches or higher. Maximum blade height depends on tire conditions and the lift link adjustments. Once you adjust the lint links to achieve maximum deck height and level the deck, that’s the highest blade height that you’ll be able to set on your tractor. If your tire tread is worn, then you may be able to increase maximum blade height up to 1/4-inch by installing new tires all around because the new tire tread will raise the deck height slightly. Here’s a link for the front tire on the tractor shown in the video: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/532122073/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c Here’s a link for the rear tire: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/122074X/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c If you need more help, let us know.
+Sears PartsDirect I can't adjust the height more than 3 " and when I do the right side of the mower goes down! Augustine grass requires a4" cut. Who ever. designed this mower should be. fired
DO NOT air the tires up to the max pressure, that is WAY too much pressure and the ride will be terrible! The max pressure stated on the side of the tire is simply that.....the MAX pressure, NOT the correct pressure for something as light as the average riding mower. This is a common mistake that is made by people who do not understand that the tire manufacturer doesn't know what the tires will be installed on so all they can provide is the MAX pressure that can be used.
You do know why he's airing up the tires...right? It has NOTHING to do with the ride and everything to do with the mower being level and on a level surface.
3" on one side, 3 3/4" (basically 4") on the other side? That would be quite lopsided, Even a crossed eyed person would be able to see that disaster cut in your yard.
Notori0us this is front to back. If the front side were cut at 3 3/4 you would then run over it with the back side at 3. It would be an even 3" cut as long as yoi left to right measurements were correct.
Watch the video again and pay attention.They clearly state that the blades should be no more than about 1/8" difference for the side to side measurement. They show blades at 3" and 3 1/8" as an acceptable example. They then show the 3" and 3 3/4" example as needing adjustment, and show how the adjustment should be made.
![Uneven Grass After Mowing? [How to Spot and How to Fix!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Eu7tvE_dUC4/mqdefault.jpg)
I miss you Sears!
My riding lawnmower was cutting great on level 5 but after a year, it’s cutting to a level 1, down to the roots, no green grass left. I didn’t know how to adjust the deck so I was using my push mower instead but that’s too much work. Thanks to videos like these, helps people like me know what needs to be done. I hope Sears can fix my non-Sears brand deck, to cut higher (leaving plenty of green grass).
This is a good video, I can apply this same procedure to my John Deere LA105 because it has similar adjustment points. I saw different videos talking about how to do this procedure but no actual video I could find. Finally I found some instructions that make sense. Thanks for the post!
Wow safety is really extreme
Save your time. Just fast forward to about 2:13 of the video
Thank you
This isn't telling me nothing what im looking for im trying to adjust my deck on my lawn mower not showing how to lift it up great help you are.
I keep coming back to the first part of this video for the music
Great video! Very well done and easy to follow.
Adjust both sides to the highest setting possible and you won't need any guess work or measuring.
make sure you hide that key so a serial killer doesnt come and try to start mower while you are leveling the deck ! Very Important
Here's your sign! Lol
Thanks for the video!
Used on zero turn mower
I always change the blades with the mower on.........
Same! :)
Thanks!
I have a cable list mechanism for my deck on a Huskee garden tractor. The deck is in the highest cut selection position and it is cutting way too low. I need to learn how to fix or adjust this type of lifting mechanism.
Over inflate tires. That’s all you can do.
@1:55, "Then, raise the attachment lift-lever to the highest position." Is is too much to ask that you indicate which lift-number raises the attachment to its highest position? On Model #917.25081, would that be #6? - from what I can see, the Operator's Manual fails to specify as well..
If you cannot determine that without it being specifically told, maybe you should have your deck adjusted by a professional repair shop.
@@codywalters8 In other words, it's too much to ask, then..
This would be a great video on how to level the deck except that you don't show how to measure on the left side of the deck where there is no opening to access the blade. I took a short block of wood 4 inches long and placed it on end against the side of the sharp edge of the blade. I then used a pencil to draw a line along the blade edge on the wood block. Then measured from the end of the block to the line.
Thanks for the tip on how to measure the blade height on the left side of the deck! That’s a good method.
I had the same challenge. I got a Stens 750-442 Deck Leveling Gauge to solve for it. It was under $10. 2 years later today will be my first use. Wish me luck 😀
My Craftsman LT1500 does not have the adjustments as in this video.
This was made by someone who never mowed a day in their life
You don't know that. More than likely he was reading a script that someone else created.
this is a good video... but I have a LT1000.... and I need to know how to do the same thing to my LT1000.
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual on a typical Craftsman LT1000 lawn tractor that shows how to level the mower deck:
www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917272751-craftsman-parts-lawn+tractor-manual
How about the LT2000, I need the front to back leveling information...thanks
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual on a Craftsman LT2000 model: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917289100-craftsman-parts-tractor-manual?sid=soc:youtube:c
Page 24 of that manual shows how to level the deck from front to back.
Only impossible for you Gabe. A smart man doesn't bitch about engineers, he cuts off a wooden ruler so that it fits under the deck. Then he uses a mirror and a light to read the ruler.
I have a 03 lt2000 is the level height at the highest setting also 4" and do you guys provide a video on leveling the deck for that model?
We don’t have the blade level height specification for that model at the highest setting. Maximum blade height is likely about 4 inches. We don’t have a video for leveling the deck on that model but we do have an online copy of the owner’s manual that shows how to level the mower deck. Here’s a link for the manual: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/917272680-craftsman-parts-manual The deck leveling procedure is on page 23 of the manual.
Thank you.
I don’t see a lift link lock nut to adjust on my poulan pro 17.5 hp riding mower . Anybody that can help me locate it?
@Sears PartsDirect when leveling a 54" deck front and back, do you use the measurements on the middle blade?
Yes.
my problem is at the highest lever setting ( 5 ) the blade tips measure 2 3/4" and the deck rollers bottom out at the middle lever setting ( 5 ) ??? A local shop replaced a blade spindle and blades last fall !!!
Blade height at the highest lever setting on most riding mowers is about 3-1/2 inches. Try using the deck height adjustment instructions in your owner’s manual to adjust deck height to that position.
Also, check the owner’s manual for instructions on adjusting the deck rollers’ heights. Adjust the deck rollers’ heights if necessary after adjusting mower deck height.
If these tips don’t help, let us know the model number of your riding mower and we’ll try to help you further.
T 3000 mower, what should the hight of the grass be at the highest deck setting? My deck come flat on the floor at the fourth notch.
Although there are several different versions of T3000 mowers, 3.5 inches is typically the maximum cutting height of that mower.
I haven't seen an adjustment for the right side. I'm guessing here: Adjust the left side to match the right. No , Wait , Move the left side by half of the difference. Yes that's it. 3/4 inch difference requires 3/8 inch adjustment.
Wrong or Right ?
The right side is fixed on many mowers. Because the right side is fixed, you'll typically need to adjust the left side the full ¾-inch difference to level the deck.
I HAVE A OLDER STATESMAN RIDING MOWER HOW DO I AJUST THE BLADES
At the end of the video the nuts that they are adjusting to bring the front of the deck up: I am mission that whole bar/long bolt that the nuts are on that they are tightening. What is the name of that bar and part number please.
That’s a Deck Lift Link, part 195270 for that riding mower. Here’s a link for the part: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/195270/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c
What does it mean when the belt starts off fully seated and properly installed, yet after a few minutes of running, twists on it's own and fly's off? Apparently, I'm the only one with this issue as I can find nothing about it anywhere, and of course my 54" YT4500 is just out of warranty so Sears will not cover anything.
broderp you have a worn out pulley.
Does Sears sell a larger tire that would give my mower the proper height?
We don’t recommend trying to fit a larger tire on the mower to raise the mower deck because uou probably wouldn’t have enough clearance between the rear tires and the mower deck. Using larger tires would also exert more strain on the transaxle and engine, so we recommend that you stick with the standard size tires recommended for that model of tractor.
I don't understand. If you measure from the it fully raised, how do you the cutting height? When you drop it is no longer at 3"/
EdwardQ Well fully raised the measurements should be the same.. if they aren't when you lower it, find another problem..
toke268 And of course it wont be at 3' nobody needs grass that high.. its just so you can get to the lock-nut
@@toke268 B.S. - I have tall fescue that looks the best, and keeps weeds at bay, at 3" cutting height!
so can anybody explain to me how to measure the blade height when is blade facing front to back the show measuring the front of the blade easy enough what about the back of the blade with a deck is? if you have any ideas on measuring the blade on the back of the deck for leveling the deck?
Because you already leveled the blades side-to-side, you just have to measure the front and back of the blade on the side with the discharge chute. Lift the chute guard and carefully hold a 6-inch ruler next to the back of the blade while looking through the discharge chute to see the blade height.
What is supposed to be the normal height of the blade at the highest position?
The normal blade height at the highest cutting position is approximately 4 inches.
My mower is measuring 3" at it's highest height. I want it to be at least 4" How?
I cant get a height of 4"
@@anotherdamnyankee3805 Bigger tires...
@@wwaynemcg Southern boy, can't put bigger tires on,they hit the deck!
Why dont these dam things come level. My craftsman mower has always cut crooked. I'm so tired of trying to adjust this thing.
No good on an MTD Yardmachine
Here’s a link for the owner’s manual for a common MTD Yard Machine tractor: www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/user-manuals/13as699g088-mtd-parts-mtd+lawn+tractor-manual?sid=soc:youtube:c
Page 7 of that manual shows how to level the deck. If you have a different type of MTD Yard Machine tractor and that procedure doesn’t work for your model, let us know the model number of your tractor and we’ll try to find that manual for you.
so, how are you suppose to measure the distance of the blade to the ground on the side that IS NOT the discharge side? Impossible. Engineers!!
MY STATESMAN NEEDS AJUSTED HOW DO I DO THIS
+Stephen Newberry
Leveling the deck adjusts the blades for an even cut. There should be a nut at the end of each lift rod that you can use to level the deck. Some models only have one adjustment rod on the side of the tractor to level the deck. Be sure to inflate your tires to the recommended pressure before leveling the deck.
This video shows that the mower height is 3". How do you get 4" or higher without putting the whole deck out of wack
Fill the tires to the maximum pressure allowed on each tire. After preparing the mower to level the deck as shown in the video, set your deck height at the highest cutting position. Position the blades side-to-side and measure the height of the cutting blades. To raise the cutting blades higher, turn the lift link lock nuts on both sides of the deck clockwise in small increments, alternating sides until you reach a blade height of 4 inches. Once you reach the desired height, level the blades side-to-side and front-to-back as shown in the video. Depending on your tractor model, you may not be able to raise blade height to 4 inches or higher. Maximum blade height depends on tire conditions and the lift link adjustments. Once you adjust the lint links to achieve maximum deck height and level the deck, that’s the highest blade height that you’ll be able to set on your tractor. If your tire tread is worn, then you may be able to increase maximum blade height up to 1/4-inch by installing new tires all around because the new tire tread will raise the deck height slightly. Here’s a link for the front tire on the tractor shown in the video: www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/532122073/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c
Here’s a link for the rear tire:
www.searspartsdirect.com/part-number/122074X/0071/917.html?sid=soc:youtube:c
If you need more help, let us know.
+Sears PartsDirect I can't adjust the height more than 3 " and when I do the right side of the mower goes down! Augustine grass requires a4" cut. Who ever. designed this mower should be. fired
@@anotherdamnyankee Hey yankee: this southern boy figured it out! LOL
It's not better to measure the deck than the blades
This quality reminds of the bad porn movies from the 80's...Not that I ever watched them!
Ha! No wonder! The label on this lawn mower talks about "injusry"!!! Japanese mower?
DO NOT air the tires up to the max pressure, that is WAY too much pressure and the ride will be terrible! The max pressure stated on the side of the tire is simply that.....the MAX pressure, NOT the correct pressure for something as light as the average riding mower. This is a common mistake that is made by people who do not understand that the tire manufacturer doesn't know what the tires will be installed on so all they can provide is the MAX pressure that can be used.
You do know why he's airing up the tires...right? It has NOTHING to do with the ride and everything to do with the mower being level and on a level surface.
3" on one side, 3 3/4" (basically 4") on the other side? That would be quite lopsided, Even a crossed eyed person would be able to see that disaster cut in your yard.
Notori0us this is front to back. If the front side were cut at 3 3/4 you would then run over it with the back side at 3. It would be an even 3" cut as long as yoi left to right measurements were correct.
Watch the video again and pay attention.They clearly state that the blades should be no more than about 1/8" difference for the side to side measurement. They show blades at 3" and 3 1/8" as an acceptable example. They then show the 3" and 3 3/4" example as needing adjustment, and show how the adjustment should be made.
4211simplicity
Horrible video. Not relevant to my rider at all. Nothing remotely close, and I own a craftsman. Thanks for nothing Sears.
it sounds like your problem is your type of mower, not the video itself..