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.

 

[KJINTF]

My nearest John Deere dealer is more than 100 miles away
How about a Part Number or a better description of the "Plastic Guage"
I will order one on line if possible

Thanks

 

[e30racer]

I ordered one off of eBay and received it yesterday. It was $11.50 shipped to my door.

Part number is - AM130907

 

[Monster5601]

Amazon has them too...

Amazon.com: Stens 750-442 Deck Leveling Gauge John Deere AM130907 MTD 490-900-0041 Cub Cadet 490-900-0041: Patio, Lawn & Garden

 

[sharpie1980]

Did you ever get your deck leveling issue solved from last year on your Kubota? I am having the exact same problem. It almost seems as if the arms that raise and lower the deck are bent to different heights. Any help would be great. Thanks

 

[RayFromOntario]

I adjusted my John Deere deck according to the manual, place two 2" blocks on each side of the rear deck & another block 1¾" high for the front of the deck. Set your deck at 2½", and place the blocks as mentioned above. Adjust each rod until the deck barely touches each block.
However, I will also buy the deck guage that Gator mentioned, but I'm curious on how that guage works. How does the guage work to adjust the blade height (using the deck) if you can't see the blades with the deck as low as it is ??

 

[bones66]

.......... How does the guage work to adjust the blade height (using the deck) if you can't see the blades with the deck as low as it is ??

That's the exact thing that flashed into my mind. I remember adjusting my deck on concrete pad so I could have a level surface to measure from. Best I remember I couldn't much more than see the blades except on the discharge side!:thumbsup:

 

[RayFromOntario]

That's the exact thing that flashed into my mind. I remember adjusting my deck on concrete pad so I could have a level surface to measure from. Best I remember I couldn't much more than see the blades except on the discharge side!:thumbsup:

My point exactly....I must be missing something. I was going to order the guage on line, the unit is only about 12 bucks, but it would cost me twice that to ship to me here in Canada from the States...what a rip off......So next time I go by. I will have them explain to me how to use it. :confused3:

 

[bones66]

When you pick up your gauge get them to do a demo for you. Get online here and calll a meeting of all on this thread then you can demo it for us all at the same time! That way maybe just maybe you won't have to explain it but once! Actually it may be the cats meow and we'll all want one!

 

[RayFromOntario]

When you pick up your gauge get them to do a demo for you. Get online here and calll a meeting of all on this thread then you can demo it for us all at the same time! That way maybe just maybe you won't have to explain it but once! Actually it may be the cats meow and we'll all want one!

Might might do that. Maybe I'll upload a video to youtube and then post the link here when it's done lol. I'm sure it's not too complicated