How to Level the Cutting Deck on Your Craftsman 46” Automatic Transmission Riding Mower
If your cutting deck is not level from front to back and side to side, it may cut your grass unevenly or leave streaks. If your grass is showing any of these symptoms, check to make sure your cutting deck is level before exploring other possibilities.
When servicing your tractor, park on a level surface and disengage the mower blades. Lower the attachments all the way down, set the parking brake, and stop the engine. Take out the key and wait for the engine and attachments to completely stop moving before leaving the seat. Remove the spark plug or disconnect the negative battery cable before working on your tractor.
Front to Back
- Step 1: Park the tractor on a level surface. Set the lift lever to the second highest position.
- Step 2: Rotate the blade to be parallel with the tractor.
- Step 3: Measure the distance from the front of the blade to the ground and from the rear of the blade to the ground. If the front measurement is not ¼’’ to 3/8’’ less than the back measurement, you will need to make an adjustment.
- Step 4: Loosen the jam nut on the front side of the stabilizer bracket.
- Step 5: Tighten the lock nut to raise the front of the deck and loosen the lock nut to lower the front of the deck. Adjust as necessary and measure again.
- Step 6: If the measurements are correct, tighten the jam nut.
Side to Side
- Step 1: Park the tractor on a level surface. Set the lift lever to the second highest position.
- Step 2: Rotate the blades so that they are perpendicular with the tractor.
- Step 3: Measure the distance from the left outside blade tip to the ground and from the right outside blade tip to the ground. These measurements should be equal.
- Step 4: If the measurements are not equal, loosen the hex cap screw on the left deck hanger bracket.
- Step 5: Use a wrench to turn the adjustment gear that is located behind the hex cap screw. Clockwise will bring the deck up and counter clockwise will bring the deck down.
- Step 6: When both measurements are the same, tighten the hex cap screw again.
For information about safety, warranty, and your specific model, read and be familiar with your owner’s manual.
Related Products and Links
Related Posts
How to Remove the Cutting Deck from Your Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Tractor →
How to Level the Deck on Your Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Tractor →
How to Inspect and Replace the Blades on Your Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Tractor →
How to Change the Deck Belt on Your Troy-Bilt Pony Riding Lawn Tractor →
