x300 with 42" deck unable to maintain level cut

[car3862]

I have a x300 with 42' mower deck. The deck does not maintain level unless it's set at the highest cutting height. When I adjust the cutting height I must re-level deck and it doesn't maintain the adjustment while mowing. The right side alway comes out of adjustment. I place unit on level floor, check tire preasure, adjust deck to disired height and check rear of deck for level. Adjust as needed. Begin mowing and after a few passes I notice uneven cut, so a re-level deck and start all over. I leveled the deck 3 time yesterday. Is this me or something in how this deck was engineered? I love the tractor but am very frustrated with mower deck.

 

[Dutch445]

how old is your machine?
how often have you been adjusting your deck level?
it may be as simple as the nylock nuts that the adjusting
bolt goes thru may be worn out, so the lock mechanism isn't holding
the threads tight.
also, make sure you front attaching yoke is 100% free to pivot at the
front frame of the tractor. if those front frame hangers are crooked in
the frame they can bind which will cause issues with level adjustments etc.

 

[aczlan]

Are your scalp wheels set correctly (~1/2" above the ground at your normal cutting height)? Are the adjusting nuts moving between adjustments, or are the nuts staying still and the deck needs a different adjustment?

Aaron Z

 

[car3862]

It's a 2011 with 90 hours on it. Checking the nylon nut is a good idea as it seems to be the right side that doesn't stay in place (good idea).

 

[car3862]

Scalp wheels are adjusted correctly could be the nut. I'll mark it prior to mowing next time to determine if it moves.

Thanks for your input.

 

[aczlan]

If the nut is moving, I would add a second nut (ie: double nut it). It will be sure to stay put that way.

Aaron Z

 

[topstoy]

Are you using the plastic adjuster tool that comes with the mower or are you actually adjusting the blade height? I found that I couldn't get it level using the plastic gadgit as the instructions suggests. If using it, then check the height of the blades. I found with mine that there was a half inch difference at least. I now only adjust by measuring the blades themselves. JD makes a plastic measuring tool that makes it easier to measure the blades height from the outside of the deck so you aren't trying to see or stick your fingers under there. I was so disapointed with the mowing the first year until I figured this out. Good luck to you.

 

[Voyager6]

Sounds backwards to me. Generally the 42 inch deck cuts worse the higher it is set to mow as the gage wheels do not go down far enough, especially if you are mowing sideways on a slight slope. In that case, if you are cutting grass above 3" you need the BM22550 anti-scalp kit.

Anti-scalp wheel extension kit

However in your case, I have one new idea and second several of the ideas proposed:

1) Front Drag bar. Make sure it is not too tight. If too tight, you cannot get the deck level if you change height as if tight, the deck will bind when in the upper position and will tilt the deck. In severe cases, the deck will not be able to go to the top.

2) Loose rear adjustment locknut. Double nut as suggested.

3) Make sure the gage wheels do not engage the ground when on flat terrain but you don't want them too far off the ground.

4) Make sure tire pressures are correct and even. A leak on one side could cause the issue.