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Craftsman how to level the mower deck
#1
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
The instructions in the owner's manual for 917.203811 on page 23 are very confusing. And nothing is said anywhere about changing the wheel holes to stop the deck from hitting the ground.
#2
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
First do a google search “leveling craftsman tractor deck” and you’ll find many sites which will tell you how to level the deck. After you have leveled the deck, set the deck height selector at the height you use most often. At this point set the gage wheels so they are just off the ground.
#3
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
What is it that you find confusing ?
Cut & paste the text so we can clarify it for you
The anti scalp wheels have nothing to do with leveling they are usually in the height of cut section but they have no effect on the deck other than to prevent it digging into grass
In normal use they should never touch the ground
Cut & paste the text so we can clarify it for you
The anti scalp wheels have nothing to do with leveling they are usually in the height of cut section but they have no effect on the deck other than to prevent it digging into grass
In normal use they should never touch the ground
#4
O
OldDiyer
O
OldDiyer
These may help you out, I made these a many years ago to make it easier for and old man like me. After I made these my height of grass has always been a lot more even. better than trying to get under there with a ruler.
Attachments
#5
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
The manual tells you to measure the distance of the end of a blade by the FRONT of the BACK TIRE, & then measure the distance of the other end of the blade by the BACK of the FRONT TIRE.
I had a mobile small engine mechanic who thought he knew everything, but he did not do things correctly, & thought he was a top mechanic.
He did NOTHING to adjust the screws to level the deck based on the distance of the blade from the ground, as described above.
He is the one who insisted that he change which holes the front wheels were placed in. He did the RT side (opposite driver's seat); but then when he did the LT side (driver's seat side, like when you would be sitting in the tractor), to the same hole, the wheel wouldn't even mount in that hole, as it was right up against the front of the deck.
Why would two front wheels not be able to be mounted in the same corresponding holes? It would seem to me that the deck was not straight (which it certainly appears to be), or the brackets that are welded from the deck to the wheel mounting holes were not welded the same at the factory.
I've tried over & over to: First, I copy the TWO pages from the .pdf of the manual, & save them to my Downloads. But when I try to attach them here, I keep getting "The uploaded file is too large. This is ridiculous - ONE page is too large for the server to process?? There is something wrong with how this site cannot even attach a ONE page file.
Both pages are to confusing to me - Measuring the distance from front & back of blade, & then loosening, tightening, nuts to achieve the stated distance, & then the wheel adjustment. Something seems wrong if you can put one wheel in a chosen hole, but you can't put the other in the corresponding same hole as it is hitting the deck which is stopping you from putting it in that same hole. They are both supposed to be in the same hole. Then nothing is explained about whether the back wheel also need to be adjusted.
This is way too complicated for me. I can only suggest that someone go to the link:
Then go to pgs. 12 & 23, which show both adjustments.
I had a mobile small engine mechanic who thought he knew everything, but he did not do things correctly, & thought he was a top mechanic.
He did NOTHING to adjust the screws to level the deck based on the distance of the blade from the ground, as described above.
He is the one who insisted that he change which holes the front wheels were placed in. He did the RT side (opposite driver's seat); but then when he did the LT side (driver's seat side, like when you would be sitting in the tractor), to the same hole, the wheel wouldn't even mount in that hole, as it was right up against the front of the deck.
Why would two front wheels not be able to be mounted in the same corresponding holes? It would seem to me that the deck was not straight (which it certainly appears to be), or the brackets that are welded from the deck to the wheel mounting holes were not welded the same at the factory.
I've tried over & over to: First, I copy the TWO pages from the .pdf of the manual, & save them to my Downloads. But when I try to attach them here, I keep getting "The uploaded file is too large. This is ridiculous - ONE page is too large for the server to process?? There is something wrong with how this site cannot even attach a ONE page file.
Both pages are to confusing to me - Measuring the distance from front & back of blade, & then loosening, tightening, nuts to achieve the stated distance, & then the wheel adjustment. Something seems wrong if you can put one wheel in a chosen hole, but you can't put the other in the corresponding same hole as it is hitting the deck which is stopping you from putting it in that same hole. They are both supposed to be in the same hole. Then nothing is explained about whether the back wheel also need to be adjusted.
This is way too complicated for me. I can only suggest that someone go to the link:
Then go to pgs. 12 & 23, which show both adjustments.
#6
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
First you came to this site for help, don’t start bad mouthing the forum or guy trying to help you.
Now level the deck using these steps.
1. Park unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Check and adjust the tire pressure, I would go 12 psi rear and 25 psi front.
3. Set the height selector at about 2.5”-3”.
4. Align the blades left and right straight across, check to make sure that where the blades come together in the middle of the deck, are at the same height.
5. Check the blade tip height on the left and right side. If they are not the same adjust the nut, shown on page 24 of the manual, until they are the same height. Suggestion; I normally raise the side which is low, unless the other side is way high.
6. Once I have the height adjusted I rotate the blades 180 degrees and recheck the tips. If they are off you either have bent blades or tweaked deck.
7. Now rotate the non-discharge side blade so it is pointing front to back and check blade tip height. I normally want the front tip 1/8”-1/4” lower than the back tip.
8. If you need to make an adjustment, turn the front link adjusting nut, again page 24 of the manual.
After you have completed all adjustments, double check that all locking nuts have been tightened.
Now level the deck using these steps.
1. Park unit on a flat, level surface.
2. Check and adjust the tire pressure, I would go 12 psi rear and 25 psi front.
3. Set the height selector at about 2.5”-3”.
4. Align the blades left and right straight across, check to make sure that where the blades come together in the middle of the deck, are at the same height.
5. Check the blade tip height on the left and right side. If they are not the same adjust the nut, shown on page 24 of the manual, until they are the same height. Suggestion; I normally raise the side which is low, unless the other side is way high.
6. Once I have the height adjusted I rotate the blades 180 degrees and recheck the tips. If they are off you either have bent blades or tweaked deck.
7. Now rotate the non-discharge side blade so it is pointing front to back and check blade tip height. I normally want the front tip 1/8”-1/4” lower than the back tip.
8. If you need to make an adjustment, turn the front link adjusting nut, again page 24 of the manual.
After you have completed all adjustments, double check that all locking nuts have been tightened.
#7
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
Thanks for your reply and attempt to help. However, your reprimands are not appreciated, and they are incorrect.
But you didn't address the wheel deck adjustment at all. Your reprimand of "don't start bad mouthing the forum or guy trying to help you." HE is the one who decided to change which hole (both are to be in the same HOLES, as per the manual). Neither did this mechanic follow the "Lubrication Chart" on p. 16. He only greased the Spindle Zerks & said there is nothing else to grease.
It is not "bad mouthing the forum" simply by saying that the site will not attach something as minimal as one page. This obviously needs to be fixed by the site, or the attachment function is unuseable. 1300KB is a very small file.
Tire pressure is, per manual, 10 psi rear & 14 psi front, stamped right on the tires, not the 12psi & 25psi that you state.
The deck height selector will not go down to below 4" - that is Craftsman's poor design. Thus, you have only 4" to 6" of height adjustment, or a total of 2". Other tractors of higher quality & design can adjust anywhere from 1 or 2" up to 6" (some go to 8").
But you didn't address the wheel deck adjustment at all. Your reprimand of "don't start bad mouthing the forum or guy trying to help you." HE is the one who decided to change which hole (both are to be in the same HOLES, as per the manual). Neither did this mechanic follow the "Lubrication Chart" on p. 16. He only greased the Spindle Zerks & said there is nothing else to grease.
It is not "bad mouthing the forum" simply by saying that the site will not attach something as minimal as one page. This obviously needs to be fixed by the site, or the attachment function is unuseable. 1300KB is a very small file.
Tire pressure is, per manual, 10 psi rear & 14 psi front, stamped right on the tires, not the 12psi & 25psi that you state.
The deck height selector will not go down to below 4" - that is Craftsman's poor design. Thus, you have only 4" to 6" of height adjustment, or a total of 2". Other tractors of higher quality & design can adjust anywhere from 1 or 2" up to 6" (some go to 8").
#8
R
Rivets
R
Rivets
My eyes and brain must not be working today, because the title of this thread says
“Craftsman how to level the mower deck”.
In post #2 I addressed both deck leveling and how to position the gage wheels. You stated you were confused by the instructions in the owners manual and it didn’t explain clearly how to position the gage wheels. Then you blame the site for not allowing you to post an image. I don’t understand why you don’t understand simply written instructions or how to resize images on a computer. So I’ll end with this, “ Yes dear you are correct, I’m an idiot and this forum is junk, so I’ve learned my lessons and I’m going out to the shop”. Maybe you will find someone smarter than both of us.
#9
StarTech
StarTech
Since the owners manual can be downloaded as a PDF you can use the PDF reader find function and search "gauge". I did and the instruction are on page 12.
Oh well gone back making some MTD deck spindle brake pads. The next time I go with semi metalic brake material. For now it just learning the specs; otherwords, the angles needed for one thing. Done got the HxWxL figured out.
Oh well gone back making some MTD deck spindle brake pads. The next time I go with semi metalic brake material. For now it just learning the specs; otherwords, the angles needed for one thing. Done got the HxWxL figured out.
#10
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
Yes the "instructions" are there, but you miss what it states, "..Installing gauge wheel in same adjustment hole." meaning the left wheel & the right wheel are to be in the same adjustment hole, which makes total sense.
Glad you are able to make the MTD deck spindle brake pads. With my little knowledge & my situation, I can understand "the angles needed.."
Glad you are able to make the MTD deck spindle brake pads. With my little knowledge & my situation, I can understand "the angles needed.."
#11
B
bertsmobile1
B
bertsmobile1
As the first responder you were told in the first response that the gauge wheels have nothing to do with the deck height or level
So I will repeat what what was written
The deck hangs of the mower
The wheels should not be in contact with the ground in normal mowing
They are there to prevent the blades witting the ground when you run over a bump or make a turn
They have nothing , nada , nill to do with the leveling of the deck
IS this clear now ?
The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link
As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post
If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
Now because Craftsman's are now a house brand and build down to an even lower ticket price than they were when Sears owned the brand they have probably done the MTD cheap & Nasty trick of only putting one adjuster on the right rear deck hanger so they are trying to get you to set the deck level in one step by measuring the blades diagonally
So I will repeat what what was written
The deck hangs of the mower
The wheels should not be in contact with the ground in normal mowing
They are there to prevent the blades witting the ground when you run over a bump or make a turn
They have nothing , nada , nill to do with the leveling of the deck
IS this clear now ?
The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link
As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post
If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
Now because Craftsman's are now a house brand and build down to an even lower ticket price than they were when Sears owned the brand they have probably done the MTD cheap & Nasty trick of only putting one adjuster on the right rear deck hanger so they are trying to get you to set the deck level in one step by measuring the blades diagonally
#12
M
MParr
M
MParr
I’m linking to the Sears YouTube site for the leveling video.
Try to match your cutting height selector to the actual cutting height of the bottom of the blades.
The anti-scalp wheels is another matter. From what you have described, it sounds like one of the anti-scalp wheel bracket is bent.
Try to match your cutting height selector to the actual cutting height of the bottom of the blades.
The anti-scalp wheels is another matter. From what you have described, it sounds like one of the anti-scalp wheel bracket is bent.
#13
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
QUESTIONS:
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
#14
C
CraftsmanFlaws
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
(6) Not certain this follows the manual, so what you state is not clear to my understanding.
'Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )"
C
CraftsmanFlaws
QUESTIONS:As the first responder you were told in the first response that the gauge wheels have nothing to do with the deck height or level
So I will repeat what what was written
The deck hangs of the mower
The wheels should not be in contact with the ground in normal mowing
They are there to prevent the blades witting the ground when you run over a bump or make a turn
They have nothing , nada , nill to do with the leveling of the deck
IS this clear now ?
The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link
As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post
If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
Now because Craftsman's are now a house brand and build down to an even lower ticket price than they were when Sears owned the brand they have probably done the MTD cheap & Nasty trick of only putting one adjuster on the right rear deck hanger so they are trying to get you to set the deck level in one step by measuring the blades diagonally
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
(6) Not certain this follows the manual, so what you state is not clear to my understanding.
'Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )"
#15
StarTech
StarTech
AYP/Husqvarna blade on twin blade models are not pretty level with each. One is usually about the thickness of the other factory blade lower. MTD are dead level across the blades. This lower blade does not affect the cutting level as it is usually compensated by the forward deck tilt.
Depending on the type and how you cut your grass this can be noticeable or not. Here just last week I had a MTD deck that was level but this appear cut higher on the left because LF tire pressing down the grass and the deck suction was standing the grass enough to it at the correct height. Now the gras was about 5" and I was knocking it down to 2.75" inches.
Depending on the type and how you cut your grass this can be noticeable or not. Here just last week I had a MTD deck that was level but this appear cut higher on the left because LF tire pressing down the grass and the deck suction was standing the grass enough to it at the correct height. Now the gras was about 5" and I was knocking it down to 2.75" inches.
#16
C
CraftsmanFlaws
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
C
CraftsmanFlaws
QUESTIONS:As the first responder you were told in the first response that the gauge wheels have nothing to do with the deck height or level
So I will repeat what what was written
The deck hangs of the mower
The wheels should not be in contact with the ground in normal mowing
They are there to prevent the blades witting the ground when you run over a bump or make a turn
They have nothing , nada , nill to do with the leveling of the deck
IS this clear now ?
The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link
As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post
If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
Now because Craftsman's are now a house brand and build down to an even lower ticket price than they were when Sears owned the brand they have probably done the MTD cheap & Nasty trick of only putting one adjuster on the right rear deck hanger so they are trying to get you to set the deck level in one step by measuring the blades diagonally
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )
#17
C
CraftsmanFlaws
I believe I had a Craftsman mechanic when this was under warranty adjust the wheels, but he obviously had them in different holes, and they had enough clearance to not push right up to the side of the deck. That mechanic, per my memory, did not adjust the deck even on both sides, and did not do the other blade height adjustments.
C
CraftsmanFlaws
The anti-scalp wheel bracket is not bent. However, it seems like one is a bit shorter than the other one, which could account for trying to put both wheels in the same slot (as manual states should be done) is not possible, because the shorter bracket hits up against the deck.I’m linking to the Sears YouTube site for the leveling video.
Try to match your cutting height selector to the actual cutting height of the bottom of the blades.
The anti-scalp wheels is another matter. From what you have described, it sounds like one of the anti-scalp wheel bracket is bent.
I believe I had a Craftsman mechanic when this was under warranty adjust the wheels, but he obviously had them in different holes, and they had enough clearance to not push right up to the side of the deck. That mechanic, per my memory, did not adjust the deck even on both sides, and did not do the other blade height adjustments.
#18
O
OldDiyer
O
OldDiyer
It looks to me that you are here to start a fight instead of getting the help you are asking for. I have been on this site for a while and when I ask questions, I don't start a fight if the answers aren't what I think they should be to me, but I will take the suggestions from people that are doing the repairs on these unit's day in and day out. Sometimes they may differ with what they think but I use the information and draw my own conclusions most of the time they are all pretty close to saying the same thing it's just how the explain it. Another thing that is hard is that these people giving you free help and knowledge are not standing next to you so aren't seeing what you see but are still trying to get you to where you want to be.
If you use a desktop or lap top computer, go to YouTube and look up how to downsize photos and use it any time you post online, I use 800x800 and seems to be fine and the pictures come out fine so I would think print would work out fine even if you had to size them a bit smaller.
As to your last post you say you HAD a Craftsman mechanic well you had a bunch of mechanics trying to do you right with information to help you here as well. Maybe you pissed off the other guy to and that's why he's not your guy anymore.
If you don't feel the people here are Helping move on to some other site and ask there someone else may solve your problem better to your liking.
If you use a desktop or lap top computer, go to YouTube and look up how to downsize photos and use it any time you post online, I use 800x800 and seems to be fine and the pictures come out fine so I would think print would work out fine even if you had to size them a bit smaller.
As to your last post you say you HAD a Craftsman mechanic well you had a bunch of mechanics trying to do you right with information to help you here as well. Maybe you pissed off the other guy to and that's why he's not your guy anymore.
If you don't feel the people here are Helping move on to some other site and ask there someone else may solve your problem better to your liking.
#19
Tiger Small Engine
Tiger Small Engine
It looks to me that you are here to start a fight instead of getting the help you are asking for. I have been on this site for a while and when I ask questions, I don't start a fight if the answers aren't what I think they should be to me, but I will take the suggestions from people that are doing the repairs on these unit's day in and day out. Sometimes they may differ with what they think but I use the information and draw my own conclusions most of the time they are all pretty close to saying the same thing it's just how the explain it. Another thing that is hard is that these people giving you free help and knowledge are not standing next to you so aren't seeing what you see but are still trying to get you to where you want to be.
If you use a desktop or lap top computer, go to YouTube and look up how to downsize photos and use it any time you post online, I use 800x800 and seems to be fine and the pictures come out fine so I would think print would work out fine even if you had to size them a bit smaller.
As to your last post you say you HAD a Craftsman mechanic well you had a bunch of mechanics trying to do you right with information to help you here as well. Maybe you pissed off the other guy to and that's why he's not your guy anymore.
If you don't feel the people here are Helping move on to some other site and ask there someone else may solve your problem better to your liking.
CraftsmanFlaws-you are a right fighter. Just try to follow basic instructions and use some gratitude and humility, and it will all work out in the end. Most riding mower decks have no ability to even cut at 4”, much less what you stated. Grab a tape measure, listen, and do it.It looks to me that you are here to start a fight instead of getting the help you are asking for. I have been on this site for a while and when I ask questions, I don't start a fight if the answers aren't what I think they should be to me, but I will take the suggestions from people that are doing the repairs on these unit's day in and day out. Sometimes they may differ with what they think but I use the information and draw my own conclusions most of the time they are all pretty close to saying the same thing it's just how the explain it. Another thing that is hard is that these people giving you free help and knowledge are not standing next to you so aren't seeing what you see but are still trying to get you to where you want to be.
If you use a desktop or lap top computer, go to YouTube and look up how to downsize photos and use it any time you post online, I use 800x800 and seems to be fine and the pictures come out fine so I would think print would work out fine even if you had to size them a bit smaller.
As to your last post you say you HAD a Craftsman mechanic well you had a bunch of mechanics trying to do you right with information to help you here as well. Maybe you pissed off the other guy to and that's why he's not your guy anymore.
If you don't feel the people here are Helping move on to some other site and ask there someone else may solve your problem better to your liking.
#20
StarTech
StarTech
We are dealing with at least 5+ year old mower. Owners manual printed in 2017.
Sounding like we have a perfectionist that can't accept some mowers do have design limits. Yes on some Craftsman mowers the bottom hole of the gauge wheel were unusable due the gauge wheel diameter. Also over time impacts on the gauge wheels will bend the deck housing. Decks also get twisted over time which will cause problems. All you can do is adjust for the best level; unless, they want a new brand new deck shell. But even those can have problems.
On top of this some people just can't follow written instruction and condensate when things are slightly different. Owners manual are just guide manuals and don't cover everything just service manuals don't cover everything when they are available. Otherwords like some of my customers where I have be there holding their hands. As these side to side don't have jam nuts but they should be added. Also this particular one side may adjustable and other not; although, the non adjustable side link is replaceable with an adjustable link.
Then there the ones that insists on having a 16mm socket because some service manual said that is the one to use when I tell them to use a 5/8" socket. Well I use both universally here as mine are six point.
Sounding like we have a perfectionist that can't accept some mowers do have design limits. Yes on some Craftsman mowers the bottom hole of the gauge wheel were unusable due the gauge wheel diameter. Also over time impacts on the gauge wheels will bend the deck housing. Decks also get twisted over time which will cause problems. All you can do is adjust for the best level; unless, they want a new brand new deck shell. But even those can have problems.
On top of this some people just can't follow written instruction and condensate when things are slightly different. Owners manual are just guide manuals and don't cover everything just service manuals don't cover everything when they are available. Otherwords like some of my customers where I have be there holding their hands. As these side to side don't have jam nuts but they should be added. Also this particular one side may adjustable and other not; although, the non adjustable side link is replaceable with an adjustable link.
Then there the ones that insists on having a 16mm socket because some service manual said that is the one to use when I tell them to use a 5/8" socket. Well I use both universally here as mine are six point.
#21
G
Gord Baker
G
Gord Baker
Strange that the deck will not lower less than 4". Are you measuring from the cutting edge of the blade?
Is there an adjustment to that linkage?
Park on a Level surface and adjust the Gauge Wheels equally so they are about 3/8" above the surface. Done.
Is there an adjustment to that linkage?
Park on a Level surface and adjust the Gauge Wheels equally so they are about 3/8" above the surface. Done.
#24
R
Robusta
R
Robusta
Thanks for your reply and attempt to help. However, your reprimands are not appreciated, and they are incorrect.
But you didn't address the wheel deck adjustment at all. Your reprimand of "don't start bad mouthing the forum or guy trying to help you." HE is the one who decided to change which hole (both are to be in the same HOLES, as per the manual). Neither did this mechanic follow the "Lubrication Chart" on p. 16. He only greased the Spindle Zerks & said there is nothing else to grease.
It is not "bad mouthing the forum" simply by saying that the site will not attach something as minimal as one page. This obviously needs to be fixed by the site, or the attachment function is unuseable. 1300KB is a very small file.
Tire pressure is, per manual, 10 psi rear & 14 psi front, stamped right on the tires, not the 12psi & 25psi that you state.
The deck height selector will not go down to below 4" - that is Craftsman's poor design. Thus, you have only 4" to 6" of height adjustment, or a total of 2". Other tractors of higher quality & design can adjust anywhere from 1 or 2" up to 6" (some go to 8").
#25
T
Timbuktu
T
Timbuktu
Trust me, 25 psi in the front tires is way too much. Every lawnmower I've ever delt with was close to 10 psi rear and 14 psi front. Also, when leveling the deck, shake it after making any adjustment as it could be hung up or tight and this will make sure it's moving during adjustment. This tool also works very well if you don't have one.
#27
S
STEVES
S
STEVES
Tomatoes, tamotos, red things, page 23 looks clear to me!? Drag link / front rod, again! Deck wheel, page 12, adjust to just off the ground after deck level completed. Then says put in same hole = miss print in manual, can't be in same hole & adjust just off ground in all cases.QUESTIONS:
You state:
"The deck is leveled left right using the height adjusters on the hangers that hold the deck
This is not what the manual says:
(1) p. 12 never uses the term "height adjustors". So, please use the terminology the mfr. uses, or explain fully what the terms you use mean.
(2) You state:
"On a good quality mower there will be one at each side usually on the rear hangers
"Rear hangers are never mentioned in the manual". The manual says NOTHING about rear hangers. It is
(3) You state "Then the deck is leveled front to back using the front drag link". I do not know what the "front drag link" is, nor is this term used in the manual. Please explain.
(4) As I quote you below: You have assumed that I am posting via my cell phone. I'm NOT. I'm on my computer & don't use my cell phone for any of this.
"As for the forum server , yes it has a file size limit because disc space costs money
Most computer users have no idea about file formats & sizes
The server does not display PD file , just provides a down load link
I generally post text pages as a JPG so they display in the post.....If you are posting using your phone then the server will see the file as being many times larger than it actually is because of the way phones save data
I have told people thousands of times that a phone is not a computer but they never seem to get it"
So all you state here is not applicable to my posts. My pages from the manual I downloaded to my computer in MB, which use a SMALL amount of space. So, there is a problem w/the site not accepting them, stating they are "too large."
(5) Manual p. 23 discusses TO LEVEL MOWER & PRECISION SIDE-TO-SIDE ADJUSTMENT. And in doing so, it talks about "Loosen jam nut "A" first - "Tighten adjust nut "B" to raise mower. - Loosen adjust nut "B" to lower mower." You don't address any of this at all. I find manual's instructions very scant & skimpy, far from explanatory enough for a non-professional mechanic to understand and accomplish in an "Operator's Manual" intended for the homeowner.
(6) Not certain this follows the manual, so what you state is not clear to my understanding.
'Normally I would level the deck with the blades dead across the deck left right then do the front back with the blades directly ahead
Because the blades are aligned with the left in front of the right a properly leveled deck will have the left side of the left blade slightly lower than the right tip of the right blade when the deck has the correct attack angle ( slightly lower at the front )"
Attachments
#28
C
CraftsmanFlaws
YOU should be ashamed of making caustic, groundless & unfounded statements like, "If you don't feel the people here are helping move on to some other site......."
Don't post to my forum anymore - get it?
C
CraftsmanFlaws
Your accusation of my being here "to start a fight" is baseless. If asking questions is starting a fight, you're not only completely wrong, but it seems you enjoy abusing and degrading others.It looks to me that you are here to start a fight instead of getting the help you are asking for. I have been on this site for a while and when I ask questions, I don't start a fight if the answers aren't what I think they should be to me, but I will take the suggestions from people that are doing the repairs on these unit's day in and day out. Sometimes they may differ with what they think but I use the information and draw my own conclusions most of the time they are all pretty close to saying the same thing it's just how the explain it. Another thing that is hard is that these people giving you free help and knowledge are not standing next to you so aren't seeing what you see but are still trying to get you to where you want to be.
If you use a desktop or lap top computer, go to YouTube and look up how to downsize photos and use it any time you post online, I use 800x800 and seems to be fine and the pictures come out fine so I would think print would work out fine even if you had to size them a bit smaller.
As to your last post you say you HAD a Craftsman mechanic well you had a bunch of mechanics trying to do you right with information to help you here as well. Maybe you pissed off the other guy to and that's why he's not your guy anymore.
If you don't feel the people here are Helping move on to some other site and ask there someone else may solve your problem better to your liking.
YOU should be ashamed of making caustic, groundless & unfounded statements like, "If you don't feel the people here are helping move on to some other site......."
Don't post to my forum anymore - get it?
#29
C
CraftsmanFlaws
As far as your assertion that the Deck wheels "can't be in same hole & adjust just off ground in all cases", is clearly wrong as per the manual.
Page 12, " 2. With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheel should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole..... 3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in SAME ADJUSTMENT HOLE." In other words, the front & wheels should both be in the same adjustment hole. It couldn't be stated more clearly than that.
C
CraftsmanFlaws
If you're going to post p. 23, then post the entire page, not just part of it, as it doesn't show the entire page or its instructions.Tomatoes, tamotos, red things, page 23 looks clear to me!? Drag link / front rod, again! Deck wheel, page 12, adjust to just off the ground after deck level completed. Then says put in same hole = miss print in manual, can't be in same hole & adjust just off ground in all cases.
As far as your assertion that the Deck wheels "can't be in same hole & adjust just off ground in all cases", is clearly wrong as per the manual.
Page 12, " 2. With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheel should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole..... 3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in SAME ADJUSTMENT HOLE." In other words, the front & wheels should both be in the same adjustment hole. It couldn't be stated more clearly than that.
#30
C
CraftsmanFlaws
And that is not where the blades are. Blades in any deck are significantly higher than the bottom of the deck.
C
CraftsmanFlaws
You are confusing things. I did not state the deck will not lower less than 4". I was talking about the height lever of the deck, which has number 2 - 6, which are not inch numbers, but simply numbers Craftsman decided to use to indicate lowest to highest. In other words, putting that lever on 4 does not place the deck bottom 4" from the ground, rather, the deck is then 1-5/8" from the ground.Strange that the deck will not lower less than 4". Are you measuring from the cutting edge of the blade?
Is there an adjustment to that linkage?
Park on a Level surface and adjust the Gauge Wheels equally so they are about 3/8" above the surface. Done.
And that is not where the blades are. Blades in any deck are significantly higher than the bottom of the deck.
#31
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
You are totally correct. My tires have printed right on the side: 10 psi rear & 14 psi front.Trust me, 25 psi in the front tires is way too much. Every lawnmower I've ever delt with was close to 10 psi rear and 14 psi front. Also, when leveling the deck, shake it after making any adjustment as it could be hung up or tight and this will make sure it's moving during adjustment. This tool also works very well if you don't have one.View attachment 66458
#32
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
If you're going to post p. 23, then post the entire page, not just part of it, as it doesn't show the entire page or its instructions.
As far as your assertion that the Deck wheels "can't be in same hole & adjust just off ground in all cases", is clearly wrong as per the manual.
Page 12, " 2. With mower in desired height of cut position, gauge wheel should be assembled so they are slightly off the ground. Install gauge wheel in appropriate hole..... 3. Repeat for all, installing gauge wheel in SAME ADJUSTMENT HOLE." In other words, the front & wheels should both be in the same adjustment hole. It couldn't be stated more clearly than that.H
#33
C
CraftsmanFlaws
C
CraftsmanFlaws
Here is the scan of the COMPLETE PAGE 23. I can't get p. 12 to scan, but I manually wrote the instructions in the prior post.
Attachments
#34
S
STEVES
S
STEVES
Well, I'm out as for my understanding of 'terminology'. I'm going now to finish my rocket ship power pusher thinger. 
#35
dawgn86
dawgn86
I ordered one of these and works great
#36
S
STEVES
S
STEVES
The fronts in same hole, the rears in same hole, 1/2" height difference from front to rear & you expect the front & rear wheels to be in the "same" hole!!? What happened to common sense? Me going to turbo my rider! Zoom........ Note: "Just off the ground" is the key!!Here is the scan of the COMPLETE PAGE 23. I can't get p. 12 to scan, but I manually wrote the instructions in the prior post.
#37
G
Gord Baker
G
Gord Baker
Height of the Gage Wheels is not a big deal. They should be an inch or more above Grade. They do not touch the ground unless uneven ground is encountered.
The FRONT of the Deck Should be slightly lower (¼") theroeticaly so the back side does not hit the grass twice and cause brown tips.
Be sure you are on a FLAT surface when leveling the Deck, with correct tire pressures . Done
The FRONT of the Deck Should be slightly lower (¼") theroeticaly so the back side does not hit the grass twice and cause brown tips.
Be sure you are on a FLAT surface when leveling the Deck, with correct tire pressures . Done