How Do I Level a Mower Deck on a Rider?

Your riding lawnmower will cut the lawn evenly only if all the parts are working properly and adjusted. The leveling of the mower deck is an often overlooked part of mower maintenance but is an important one. If your lawn looks uneven with sharp ridges like steps or dips, it is likely that the mower deck requires leveling. Leveling does not require any special skills and can be completed in about a half hour.

Gloves
Measuring tape
Wrench

Instructions

- 1
  Move the mower onto a level surface. This ensures all the tires are even.
- 2
  Set the parking brake and remove the key.
- 3
  Lift the lid of the mower and remove the cable from the spark plug to prevent the mower from accidentally starting.
- 4
  Put on work gloves.
- 5
  Lift the plastic guard on the mower deck. Rotate the mower blades so they face out toward the sides of the mower. Measure from the end of the mower blade to the concrete on the left and right hand side. There shouldn't be more than 1/8 inch difference between sides.
- 6
  Adjust the height of the mower deck by turning the adjustment nut by the left rear wheel, using a wrench. Turn clockwise to lower and counterclockwise to raise the deck on that side. Each full turn will adjust the deck 3/16 inch.
- 7
  Rotate the blades again so they are facing to the front and back of the mower. Measure the from the concrete to the end of the mower. The front of the deck should be 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch lower than the back end.
- 8
  Find the jam nut at the front of the mower located between the two front wheels. Turn the nut clockwise to raise the front of the deck. Each turn changes the deck height an 1/8 inch.
- 9
  Reassemble and test.

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