Deck leveling hints or tricks for a JD X-540?

[Boris1]

Hello everyone,

I was looking for tricks or hints any of you guys have come up with to level the mowing deck on my X-540, 54in cut. I've used the owners manual method with a tape measure previously and managed to get decent cut appearance but figured someone has probably thought this out further and found a easier way. I did a couple of searches on this forum but came up up with nothing.

Thanks in advance and Happy Memorial day!

 

[beenthere]

Don't know about 'tricks', but
first air up the tires so they are correct.
2nd raise the guide wheels on the four corners.
Select a height (I use 2 1/2")

On a level (flat) surface check the 2 1/2 " height at the tips of the outside blades right and left. Adjust the hangers so these tips are correct (do this after checking that the three blades are not bent and pass each other in the same plane).

Next, check the front to rear heights of the center blade and adjust the front draft so there is about 1/4" drop to the front of the deck (difference front to back of the center blade) for best mowing.

Then finally set the height you want to mow at, and lower the guide wheels to 1/4 to 1/2" above the flat surface. This should carry a 'level' deck and give the best mowing.

I use the measuring tool from Deere to check blade heights rather than a tape measure rule. Or make a wood block 2 1/2" to slide under the tips of the blades, found to be much simpler than a tape measure.

 

[Boris1]

Thanks for the insight, sounds better than I had been doing.

 

[Scooby074]

Get the deere blade gauge and follow its instructions. Best $8 Ive spent!!

 

[TractrNoob]

Get the deere blade gauge and follow its instructions. Best $8 Ive spent!!

+1 :thumbsup:

 

[Boris1]

Get the deere blade gauge and follow its instructions. Best $8 Ive spent!!

Scooby, is that a yellow slide rule / protractor / looking tool?

 

[beenthere]

Not anything like a slide rule, but maybe a little like a protractor. It has an arm that will reach under the edge of the deck and contact the blade tip, and can be read in inches.
But it is yellow.

Here is one shown.
http://www.greenpartstore.com/John-Deere-Mower-Deck-Leveling-Gauge-AM130907.html

 

[Boris1]

Thanks scooby, that's the one.

 

[Scooby074]

beenthere answered, but here's a pic of the gauge in use

 

[Boris1]

beenthere answered, but here's a pic of the gauge in use

Thanks, picked up one on eBay just like that.