ZD326 deck leveling question

[e30racer]

I purchased a new ZD326 a couple of weeks ago and unfortunately my deck was not level from the dealer. It was about 1/2" higher on one side than the other. I check the level on a very flat and level surface and I also verified that all of my tire pressures were correct.

I successfully leveled the deck yesterday evening but was surprised when the right rear leveling bolt ended up screwed almost all the way in and the left front and left rear bolts were screwed almost all the way out. I know the jacking bolts are there to handle exactly this situation but was a little surprised at how much difference there was. Anyone else run into this? Just trying to figure out if this is "normal".

thanks,
Steven

 

[jcummins]

I did the exact thing with mine. It's a mistake in how you are leveling it. I forget the details off hand, but I resolved it redoing the leveling, and exactly following the leveling steps in the manual.

 

[bones66]

It seems like I ran into the same problem with the adjustment bolts. I can't remember how the instructions said to do it. I know I made some wood blocks to use in this procedure but still had problems. I contacted Kubota concerning this and other situations I have found in the owners manual that were difficult to follow or made little sense to me. Seems Japanese doesn't translate over to English that well making some of the instructions hard to follow. (That's their excuse) After complaining to them they said I could purchase the shop manual if I wanted, which was according to them is better. Not much of an answer in my opinion but I've found them not to be very helpful in past contacts. I pretty much knew what to expect. I guess a person is supposed to use his dealer in cases like this however if left his shop un-level so I had little confidence that he could or would do better.

 

[KJINTF]

Was the out of level easily noticeable?
I never really checked mine, guess I should take a closer look see
Yes the shop service manual has a better Japlish translation

 

[e30racer]

It was noticable in the quality of cut and when looking at the distance of the deck wheels from the ground.

Where is the best place to purchase a service manual?

thanks,
Steven

 

[KJINTF]

I found there were several places on line after a Google search for the shop manuals. I got mine at Coleman equipment for $50.00 free shipping hard copy only. Still looking for a PDF version of the manual, so far no luck.

Thanks I will take a look at the height of the anti scalp wheels next time I get the machine out.

 

[bones66]

............Yes the shop service manual has a better Japlish translation

I like that word!:thumbsup: With the hundreds of models of mowers, tractors, and heavy equipment offered by Kubota you'd think the importers or someone along the line would proof read all those owners manuals and correct all the inconsistencies.

 

[Gator6x4]

I would recommend stopping by your local John Deere Dealer. Ask the person in the Parts Department for one of the plastic "Deck Leveling Gauges" sold by John Deere. Purchasing one of these devices several years ago for less than ten dollars was one of the best investments I have made when it comes to mower set-up and maintenance. Your lawn will thank you. You can adjust the front, rear and side to side mowing height quickly and accurately.

 

[e30racer]

Thanks for the recommendation on the deck leveling gauge. I'm a tool junkie so I'll definitely follow and get one of those.

thanks,
Steven

 

[slc10844]

The advantage to the gauge is you measure the blade height vs the deck. Although the deck is set properly there may be some variables as to the actual blade height. The gauge wii also allow you to check for bent blades.