I tried that tape measure method about 40 years ago. Hum, there has to be a better way and haven't picked up a tape measure since. Oh, maybe a wooden ruler if I'm real concerned about cutting height ( which is unusual ) but then again just measure the gauge because all the info. is still there and recorded.I have been using a tape measure using my shop floor, side to side and front to back.
I tried that tape measure method about 40 years ago. Hum, there has to be a better way and haven't picked up a tape measure since. Oh, maybe a wooden ruler if I'm real concerned about cutting height ( which is unusual ) but then again just measure the gauge because all the info. is still there and recorded.
So you've never read about someone trying to make his mower cut level?
I tried that tape measure method about 40 years ago. Hum, there has to be a better way and haven't picked up a tape measure since. Oh, maybe a wooden ruler if I'm real concerned about cutting height ( which is unusual ) but then again just measure the gauge because all the info. is still there and recorded.
All my stuff is well maintained. But I'm sure not taking a deck that weighs over 200 pounds off just to do a inspection. Or change a belt bearings bladesSo tell me ... how many times do you have to level your deck ..?? Do you bother to remove the deck annually for a major cleaning and inspection, lubrication, belt replacement, etc. and you don't bother to level the deck after re-mounting it ..?? do you do an occassional walk-around of your machine to check for loose or broken /missing items etc. or are you one of those clowns that's a straight thru n thru " gas n go jockey " ...run the sheeet out of it, till it quits in the middle of a job ...?? and after you make your " first pass " of the day do you look to see what your cut pattern looks like ..???..:2cents:
Stamped decks do not work like that. You have to measure the blade not the deck.
************************************************************Just what are we leveling here deck or blades? If the deck, what is so hard about using a tape measure??? I am not understanding something here. You set the mower on a level floor and take 4 measurements front to back and side to side on the bottom side of the deck. No rocket science and hasn't got to be too the 1000th of a inch. I have been using this method for years now and never had a customer complaint. It might include some very simple math in which any carpenter understands. There can be all different methods of doing this job so I say use what works the best for you. When I looked up a deck leveling gauge on E-Bay it was over 30 dollars and that is nothing I need in my tool box.
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So if a customer brings a lawn tractor to you complaining about an un-even cut you tape measure the deck side to side, front to back tell them it's just fine, charge them a fee and send them on their way?
I was researching Deck Leveling Gauges I see Oregon, Sears, John Deere and a couple of others have them, they are mostly similar design but they don't indicate if there made from metal or plastic. Anyone have one that is made from metal?
They can warp. Fab decks can to but not as often.
I don't give a dam about the deck being the blades are what cuts the grass. Ask the #1 Original Poster if those gauges he saw for sale were to check blade height for an even cut or check the deck.
We're aren't even in the same universe much less on the same page. Have a nice day.
Thanks for all the information on the gauges, I knew someone would have the lowdown on them.
Those of us that are in or have been in the power equipment repair business have our ways of checking decks and although not exact to thousands of an inch, generally do the job.
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I'll give you the low down on the John Deere blade height gauge..
It's cute. JD dealers have them as they are required to have a minimum in stock. I have one and keep it as a "collectors" item and here is why!
The packager shrinks the wrap to tight which bends it. If you don't break it opening the package, you need a heat gun to warm it up and bend it back straight.
When you use it to measure the blade tip height, (the blade tip facing forward) you need to look at it straight on to observe the measurement, then you need to remember the measurement. Before you take any measurements, you need to remark it so you can see the markings as you are on your belly in order to see the scale. If you can't get that low to the ground, then you don't know if the tip of the tool ever touched the tip of the blade and you can't see where the pointer is indicating at a measurement.
You can grab the tool after taking the measurement, hold it where it is indicating, lay it over to get it out from under the deck and hopefully it stayed at the measurement.
Great tool!!!
Those of us that are in or have been in the power equipment repair business have our ways of checking decks and although not exact to thousands of an inch, generally do the job.
I prefer to not deal with stamped decks as I have found most of them to be twisted, bent or rusty and sometimes all three. In addition to the worn mechanisms that suspend them and then the blade spindles which is another story!!!
A few thoughts from Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:
This is a new one on me. So these decks are warping so bad you are getting a in-even cut. The only way I can think of to test for such a happening is to strip the deck and lay it on a flat surface. Just where do these decks warp?? So just how do you test for a warped deck when a customer comes into your shop? Or are they warping where the spindle housing fastens to the deck housing? If this is the case how do you repair it, shim the spindle housing so the blade is level? Is there a repair? You are saying just a linkage adjustment??? So you have a warped deck with two or three blades just how do you make them all level?? I just don't see these linkage adjustments on the low end mowers?? I don't see spindle adjustments on any mower other then a Ferris???
Reynoldson,
Here is one way to do it and it is time consuming, but, very effective if you have a "big hammer" and couple pieces of wood and fairly decent biceps, triceps, back and abdominal muscles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSwcf_-APXI
If nothing else, you may find that entertaining.
Max
In an earlier post I said I used a small engine valve spring compressor and it worked fine for years. I also used an inside caliper. On the older Snapper RER's, uneven cut was a common complaint on mowers brought into the shop. Especially if the customer used a grass catcher. A Snapper factory guy told us that the blade should cut approx 1/4" to 3/8" lower in the front than in the rear so that the blade didn't have to double cut. And always level from side to side.
Reynoldson,
Here is one way to do it and it is time consuming, but, very effective if you have a "big hammer" and couple pieces of wood and fairly decent biceps, triceps, back and abdominal muscles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSwcf_-APXI
If nothing else, you may find that entertaining.
Max
I found pics of my deck leveling/blade height tools.
The yellow JD gauge and my homemade blade height tool.
The homemade tool is a 3/8-16 threaded rod connector nut, bolt with jam nut on the top and a washing machine foot bolt with the plastic shoe removed.
The reason behind the 3/8-16 is that for each full turn of the nut is 1/16th of an inch so a fairly precise adjustment can be done. This one is adjustable from 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" in 1/16th" increments. Check out the pics.
The reason behind the 3/8-16 is that for each full turn of the nut is 1/16th of an inch so a fairly precise adjustment can be done. This one is adjustable from 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" in 1/16th" increments. Check out the pics.