Best way to balance a mower deck?

kbuicker · Jul 18, 2016

Fellas, I have a 121S Zero Turn mower (48"). I started noticing a line in the grass between my tire tracks on the grass after I mowed a stretch, like something was dragging. Upon inspecting the mower on a flat surface, I can't see anything hanging down, the only thing I can assume is making the line is the frontmost anti-scalping wheel & bracket. So that brings me to the leveling.

I know there are two adjustment brackets on each side of the mower. You can crank them up or down, thus leveling the mower. I Was able to level out the mower from front to back.... My question to you guys, because I'm a little perplexed, if you level the mower front to back.. how then do you level it side to side? Wouldn't you be fighting the front to back level/adjustment you just made?

Thanks guys!

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 19, 2016

I'm not familiar with your mower, but there should be instructions for adjusting deck pitch (front-to-back) and level (side-to-side).

Most mowers need to be pitched about 1/8" to 1/4" lower in front than in back. I would level it from side to side, then put the right amount of front to back pitch on it, and then check the side to side level again. You might have to chase your tail a little.

Other things to check (off the top of my head):

1. Check the spindle on center blade. A bent spindle or a bad bearing on that spindle could cause wobbling that could produce such a cut.

2. Check to make certain the center blade is not on upside down. Trust me, it happens.

3. Adjust the anti-scalp wheel per the owner's manual. You don't want it riding on the ground all the time.

4570Man · Jul 19, 2016

Make sure the tires are properly inflated.

woody · Jul 19, 2016

X2 what they said, good advice

kbuicker · Jul 20, 2016

Thanks guys, all good comments... Poopdeck Pappy, thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed response. It's much appreciated!

I did just get a call from my local Kubota head service guy... he suggests 'going diagonally' to level it.

1. start at left front corner and measure, make adjustments according to your manual.
2. then move to right rear, measure & make adjustments.
3. then right front, measure & make adjustments.
4. then left rear, measure & make adjustments.

So, with my fellow forum poster comments, and his suggestions, I should be riding high and level this wknd.. thanks fellas!

Gary Fowler · Jul 20, 2016

If deck was cutting properly and just started leaving a cut-line on one side, I wouldn't mess with trying to level the deck prior to checking the air pressure in all 4 tires. Decks don't usually get out of level unless something breaks but tires do loose air. You need a good digital gauge to check the air pressure in your tires because even 1-2 PSI difference will cause a cut line to appear.

kbuicker · Jul 20, 2016

Thanks Gary, yes, I checked the air to be sure. I think it may of been when I mowed the lawn of a foreclosed house in our neighborhood and rammed my deck into their fencing when I was leaving.. I was not pleased at all. Hopefully nothing is bent. But I think it's contributed to my out of level deck.

Poopdeck Pappy · Jul 20, 2016

I'm glad other posters corrected my oversight and mentioned checking tire pressure. That isn't your problem, but it is always the first thing to check with any sort of cutting issue. Just cranial flatulence on my part in forgetting to mention it.