2544 deck front/rear adjust

[ibgolfr]

I recently checked the level of my 2544 deck. I too, like others it seems have been seeing a difference in the cutting heigth--right side low. I have a different adjust problem--the front is low and there is no more adjustment range in the front yoke lift arm threads. Instructions say to start with approx. 5/8" threads and go from there. My nuts are already screwed in completely to the end. The front of the deck is different by 1/2" and I cannot see how to raise it any further. This is by the way, the way the deck was delivered from dealer.

Is there different front deck hanger yokes for the different size decks. Could the wrong hanger have been installed, say from a 50" deck which would require more or less adjustment range. If there isn't different hangers, something else is wrong.

 

[GreenQuality]

This might help I ordered a lift arm with jam and nut, for my 2180 I took the idle or fixed lift arm off, and replaced with the adjustable one .So now I have two adjustable lift arms on the side to side lift. this adds more height too your side which will add more height to your front hanger! PART no# Rod lift link(747-04196) IF you go this route make sure you get part no# 6 without this will not work! for some reason there is no part # for 6 in my pats manual!

 

[ratherbefishing]

I had the same problem with my 2544... er, at least I thought I did. My first stab at leveling ended up in the exact situation you described. I went two seasons with it that way. This spring I was determined to get to the cause. I bought the cheap JD leveler, reset everything and after about 45min of making adjustments I ended up level. The jam nuts ended up close to where they describe as a starting position. I was amazed.

I'd just try to level from scratch and see what happens...

 

[ibgolfr]

Ratherbe

Are you saying, by start from scratch, that you are leveling side to side also, or did you back off the jam nuts, screw them on as suggested 5/8 from top and start adjusting from there. I believe the back is actually fixed except for side to side. Am I not seeing your directions clearly?

 

[bobofish]

I recently checked the level of my 2544 deck. I too, like others it seems have been seeing a difference in the cutting heigth--right side low. I have a different adjust problem--the front is low and there is no more adjustment range in the front yoke lift arm threads. Instructions say to start with approx. 5/8" threads and go from there. My nuts are already screwed in completely to the end. The front of the deck is different by 1/2" and I cannot see how to raise it any further. This is by the way, the way the deck was delivered from dealer.

Is there different front deck hanger yokes for the different size decks. Could the wrong hanger have been installed, say from a 50" deck which would require more or less adjustment range. If there isn't different hangers, something else is wrong.

I have the same problem, the best I can get is 1/2 inch. I have the adjustment on the front yoke adjusted all the way down. Thought of tapping a few extra threads for more adjustment. When I get into deep grass it won't cut worth a darn. Wish I could put the deck off my old cub 100 (1965) on my 2544! That thing has a great cut but not as comfeet as my new tractor. Bob

 

[q man]

There are times when low tire air pressure on one side will cause an uneven cut. Making sure the tires are correctly aired up might save a lot of work readjusting the deck.

 

[JTKub]

Good call on the tire air pressure thing. That can cause leveling issues. You do want your deck set slightly nose down for proper cutting.

 

[bobofish]

Air pressure is good, It was like 14lbs in the front and 10lbs in the rear. Side to side is adjusted right on the money and does cut level but the front to back is 1/2 inch low in the front and that's with the front yoke adjusted all the way down. If I keep up on the mowing it does fine but the area I mow, sometimes I can't get to for about three weeks and that's when I have a problem. My old cub would out do the new one in the taller grass/weeds. The 2544 does not seem to like the stout stems, it takes sometimes three to four passes before it will cut, not so with the 100. I do notice the front of the 100 deck is cut up to expose the blade where as the 2544 front of deck does not expose the blade, it also has a cover bolted to the uderside of the front of the deck. Maybe my next move is to get the angle grinder out and do some fabercating. ouch! that does'nt sound good!

 

[JTKub]

.. The 2544 does not seem to like the stout stems, it takes sometimes three to four passes before it will cut, not so with the 100...

Yup, I've noticed that with all the deck sizes I've owned. Certain sized stems get shoved over by the deck shell such that the blades can't suck them up & cut them.

Joel

 

[geneP]

If you are like me, the only way to measure the blade angle is with the deck up. I, too, had my front yoke sucked up to the bottom of the threads. I finally put my mower on level concrete and put my finger under the front of the deck (with the engine off) as a reference. I lowered the deck till I could feel it noticably lower in the front. I then cut with it and noticed it cutting lower in the center of each blade path. I raised it up a little at a time until it cut good. I think the front and rear don't raise at the same rate, giving a false front-to-rear measurement with the deck raised. Mine is a 46" 3 blade deck