GT235 Deck Leveling

[snpower]

After following the manual (deck up, set 2 height, deck down) and then using the JD leveling gauge to set 2 under left, right blades I can稚 place the deck in the transport position. Is this normal?

 

[beenthere]

..can't place the deck in the transport position.

Doing something wrong. Need to retrace your steps to find out what was missed.

 

[snpower]

I did and same result. 3/4” under blades to get transport position to lock. Cutting dial set to 2.75”. Raised blades to 2” and unable to lock.

 

[beenthere]

Maybe someone else can translate what you are saying, as I'd like to help but don't follow.. sorry.

If you raise the deck wheels all the way up, how much up-down deck travel do you have with the height control (cutting dial?) knob set to the lowest height possible?

 

[Ron of Va]

Not sure exactly what you mean, but I think;
I believe your entire deck has been set too high against the frame. Using the leveling nuts, lower the deck about a half inch or maybe a little more. These are the nuts that level the deck parallel to the ground. I think you pulled it up a little too tight to the bottom of the frame.
The dial controls how far it drops down to do the cutting. This should not impact the locking up position.

BTW; The post you made in April 2017 about your deck, in the photo it looks like you put the drive belt on inside out. https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...ting/377940-very-frusrated-gt235-48-deck.html

 

[snpower]

I値l have to respond more fully when I can take additional measurements but I started this excercise because I have late father痴 GT275 and noticed for the same cutting height his lift gauge and the measurement under the blade tips more or less matched; at 2.75 I felt I was cutting way too low.

Am I wrong in thinking 2 under the blades should correspond to a 2 on the lift gauge?

 

[beenthere]

I値l
......
Am I wrong in thinking 2 under the blades should correspond to a 2 on the lift gauge?

Yes, to that question. The answer depends on the adjustment links "Ron of Va" mentioned. They carry the deck at the rear, and adjust to make the right and left sides "level" or at the same height.
You should start from scratch and not make the assumption mentioned about your "thinking".

Set your height adjustment knob to 2, and with the deck wheels in their upmost position, adjust the blade tips right and left to 2" Then work on the front to back to get the leading blade tip 1/4" below the trailing tip.

This done AFTER getting the tire pressures correct.

 

[snpower]

Ok. I started again at 0600 this morning, and I'm fairly frustrated at this point but here we go.

1. The tires are properly inflated.
2. I have had one large cup of coffee.
3. Adjust lock nuts DOWN until approximately one nut width remains visible on the threads (nearly at the bottom of the range of travel)
4. Raise deck to lock position, note following measurements: approx. 3" UD (Under Deck), approx. 2 3/4" UB (Under Blades)
5. Set Cutting Dial to 2", and lower deck
6. UD appox. 1", UB approx. 3/4"
7. Rotate lock nuts upward until approx. 1.5" thread visible
8. Height UB checked at approx. 1.5"


The deck wheel pins are all removed; the wheels slide up and down freely so as to not interfere.

Any further adjustment upward results in not being able to stow the deck in the transport position. At this point I have approx. 1.5" visible on the lift lever adjustment arm threads, and can barely fit my wratcheting wrench between the arm and the deck to make further adjustment.

Setting the dial to 3 equates to 2.75 under the blade tips which is close enough I suppose. Front to rear looks fine in the right side and someone please tell me how to check on the left... the JD gauge will not reach the front blade tip

PS I failed to mention I use Oregon Gator Blades. Might be some variation on width of blade I haven稚 considered?

 

[Ron of Va]

I believe your main concern has been addressed, that the deck would not lock in the up position. It sounds like you have it adjusted perfectly for that.

I have a GT235 and the height of the blades have never corresponded to the dial setting, just close. No big deal.

With respect to setting the height of the blades, as long as the DECK is set parallel to the ground you are good to go. Use the blade height adjustment tool, on the outside edge of the deck, and just assume the blades are also set parallel.

If this is not the case then you have issues like a bent blade, or issues with the spindles being loose and sagging, someone used a different spindle that was not for that model, shims or washers left out of the spindle mounts, etc.

 

[Gator6x4]

How to Level a John Deere Mower Deck | Hunker

OMM148971_I2