Hey Steve, thanks for watching. Here’s the rest of my deck leveling content if you’re interested in seeing more. Good luck getting that bad boy dialed in! John Deere Deck Leveling TESTED: What Works BEST! ruclips.net/video/kTTDbFLmrok/видео.html John Deere deck leveling DIY: how to make the adjustments needed for a perfect cut ruclips.net/video/gLLOAofJhVQ/видео.html
Looks perfect to me. Some people will criticize a fence post cause that's just how they are. I honestly don't recall any riding mower I've ever owned even having a deck height adjustment on them. I know I've owned a Murray and a Troybuilt which was my last mower previous to this John Deere D100. If not for those wheels on the front of the deck I probably wouldn't be looking into how to level the deck in the first place.
Thanks for the help. Installed a new set of blades on my X300 and the left side was cutting much lower than the right, thought it had a bent spindle but it just needed leveled
Great explanation. I have a X300 and my leveling gauge is not under the seat. I believe it is as shown in your video. Currently, my mower is not cutting level. I'm looking forward to this adjustment to see if it helps.
The one issue I have is with the front adjustment. Whenever I get it set perfect, I tighten up the back nuts and it raises the deck. I now leave the deck in from a little low to accommodate for tightening the nuts and then it seems to be fine
You did the best with what you had. I think the deck leveling adjustment design leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. This video helped me out quite a bit though.
Mine is an X540, so it has the hydraulic deck and power steering but it should be a very similar process. Check for the level tool in the height adjustment knob and look for the raised ears alongside the back of the deck. Those will be giveaways that it’s the same.
I have an. X 738 and my neighbor has a X350. I've had john deere for over 30 years the only accurate way to level the deck is a deck leveling gauge. I used the plastic gauge included with the mower and neither one of these mowers were level after using it! Had to bring back into garage and use the lever type gauge. You cannot get a level cut unless you check each blade Happy mowing
I have no clue why Deere used the old system for side to side leveling on the 500 series. I have a 2017 x300 and it has the holes by the seat and a key under the seat. You take the key,stick it into the holes and turn up or down to adjust,no wrench needed (unless you adjust front and back)
I like to cut my lawn at 4.5. It's a bit of a pain on my model adjusting my scalloping wheels. Could I not 3 blocks of wood at say 4.25"s (you cut yours at 2.25") and if the front and sides are all touching equally I know she is level. I know JD says to use 2.5" cut level on the deck for leveling as that is most accurate but I figure regardless, if each block is cut to the same height, and the deck is touching equally on the blocks and the scalloping wheels are not touching I should be good to go. (I have the X350 and have seen the video you speak of). Loved your video, thanks.
When you measure the right side, where the bagger is, from ground to the underside of the deck, there is a metal bracket for the bagger along the bottom of the deck so you are actually measuring from the ground to the bracket...not to the deck. There is no bracket on the other side. Therefore, the bagger side (with the bracket under the deck) is going to be higher than the other side. Don't you think that will make your deck just a little unlevel, versus a deck without a bagger system? I don't have a bagger, and don't have that bracket on the right side. Also, I use the small wooden blocks, but I actually made my blocks longer so I can level my deck at the actual height that I mow it at. Like you, I mow with it set at 3", so rather than level it 2.5", and then set it to 3" to mow, I cut my blocks to fit under the deck when it is set at 3". Then I know it is level at the height I'm cutting. Otherwise, great video.
I noticed this as well. There is mulch shrouds that are bolted on around most of (but not all) of the bottom of the deck. When you measure, specifically on that right side, you need to find a spot without the shroud so you are measuring just the deck itself.
My X350 does not have the same leveling points. There is a small nub on the left side which I used but nothing on the other side. A well all the instructions say to make the adjustment on the front, measuring on the one side left side rod but you really have to do both sides and I could never get the whole thing even. So on my two front rods I am using a small level. Lastly it is not perfect after adjusting everything repeatedly I cut the lawn and looked at it visually. One side was still lower than the other so I manually adjusted it until it cut right.
The X350 is a little different but it’s very similar. The level gauge is located under the seat and you’ll also need the adjustment tool that goes through the holes to turn the bolt from the top, an improved design compared to my tractor. Here’s a video for more specifics on your exact tractor: ruclips.net/video/es_z6jGK2s4/видео.html
I bought my x350 5 years ago, went with the 48" deck option. This mower has never cut good from the start. New blades, sharpened blades, different style of blades. Leveled the deck per manual and 10 or 15 you tube videos. Talked to the john deere dealer I bought it from and he suggested maybe a bent deck, bad spindle, belt slipping issue. I thought I had the right solution, My garage floor has a drain in it, so it is not level. Built myself a level platform, checked to make sure it was level with a 6' level. Releveled the deck. Now the outside blades cut good, but the middle blade is cutting like there is no blade there at all. Oh and the bottom of the deck is powerwashed every couple of months in case anybody is wondering. Is there something I am missing here? Other than I could have saved myself a lot of grief and frustration and about $3,000.00 if I would have went to my local hardware store and bought a cheap murray. Which is what my Dad has and it cuts flawlessey. Anybody out there having the same issue with john a deere 48"deck?
It’s not really “my way”, I just followed along with the owner’s manual. I might do a video comparing the two methods that John Deere outlines and first level the deck based on the three leveling points and then go around with the gauge and check the blade height to see if it’s different like you suggest it might be. When you say “accuracy” are you referring to level or height of cut?
@@suburbanacreage That is a great idea to compare! I look forward to it. What I am referring to is verify the blades are 1/8 inch lower in the front and the same on each side.
Because prior to that, or maybe during, my compressor is running and it’s loud as hell. I mute most of my clips because the noise of the tools gets in the way of the narration and it’s hard to hear. Plus nobody wants to hear the audio of my air compressor screaming away. I also listen to music/podcasts so rather than constantly take them on and off, I just keep em on.
@@suburbanacreage Yeah, that's kinda what I thought. I was pretty sure you weren't the type to wear SWAT ballistic body armor when ya go out to trim the hedges.😁
The blades, technically speaking, sit up inside the deck a little bit. So if you’re measuring off the bottom of the deck for leveling purposes, the blades will be sitting a little bit higher. I cut the blocks shorter to accommodate the difference that is the bottom of the deck compared to where the blades actually cut. It’s a “quick and dirty” way of deck leveling and the purists will trash the method saying height should always be measured at the blade, not the deck housing. This method gets me close enough for the DIY stuff I do though. Hope that helps 👍
I love lawn tractor attachments and accessories, check out some of my favorites:
ruclips.net/p/PL0E1kMrOt5Df_mnyY5RtZofWNRMcJEpHu
Perfect, I was wondering how to use the factory gauge and you covered each point perfectly !!!
I like the 2x4 spacers you made.
Your video was the best and clearest that I have found. My X500 did not come with a manual. Thanks for all the info
Hey Steve, thanks for watching. Here’s the rest of my deck leveling content if you’re interested in seeing more. Good luck getting that bad boy dialed in!
John Deere Deck Leveling TESTED: What Works BEST!
ruclips.net/video/kTTDbFLmrok/видео.html
John Deere deck leveling DIY: how to make the adjustments needed for a perfect cut
ruclips.net/video/gLLOAofJhVQ/видео.html
Looks perfect to me. Some people will criticize a fence post cause that's just how they are. I honestly don't recall any riding mower I've ever owned even having a deck height adjustment on them. I know I've owned a Murray and a Troybuilt which was my last mower previous to this John Deere D100. If not for those wheels on the front of the deck I probably wouldn't be looking into how to level the deck in the first place.
Brilliant and simple - thank you. So much easier than following the manual!
This is a great video! Thanks!
My favorite line ever "now most of you wont recognize what this book is" lmaoooo
The often overlooked but always information packed Owner’s Manual!
This doesn't really apply much to my just purchased S100, but I couldn't leave without noting my appreciation for your snark and sarcasm!
Thanks Paul! Trying to bring up the entertainment value to simple DIY videos.
This is the most clear video I have seen on this! Thank you!
Glad you found it helpful!
Now, I thought that was one real good video. Easy to understand. Thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for watching Larry!
Thanks for the help. Installed a new set of blades on my X300 and the left side was cutting much lower than the right, thought it had a bent spindle but it just needed leveled
Thank you for showing the easy and fast way they help me a lot
Thanks for this video! Super helpful and way better than John Deere’s attempt at showing this
Great explanation. I have a X300 and my leveling gauge is not under the seat. I believe it is as shown in your video. Currently, my mower is not cutting level. I'm looking forward to this adjustment to see if it helps.
The one issue I have is with the front adjustment. Whenever I get it set perfect, I tighten up the back nuts and it raises the deck. I now leave the deck in from a little low to accommodate for tightening the nuts and then it seems to be fine
You did the best with what you had. I think the deck leveling adjustment design leaves a hell of a lot to be desired. This video helped me out quite a bit though.
Thank you. Great instruction. I’m picking up my “new” X500 soon. I believe the adjust is done slightly differently.
Mine is an X540, so it has the hydraulic deck and power steering but it should be a very similar process. Check for the level tool in the height adjustment knob and look for the raised ears alongside the back of the deck. Those will be giveaways that it’s the same.
I have an. X 738 and my neighbor has a
X350. I've had john deere for over 30 years the only accurate way to level the deck is a deck leveling gauge.
I used the plastic gauge included with the mower and neither one of these mowers were level after using it!
Had to bring back into garage and use the lever type gauge.
You cannot get a level cut unless you check each blade
Happy mowing
This is awesome. Really well done! Thanks!
great video if you can find a level spot
Very helpful. Thanks
I have no clue why Deere used the old system for side to side leveling on the 500 series. I have a 2017 x300 and it has the holes by the seat and a key under the seat. You take the key,stick it into the holes and turn up or down to adjust,no wrench needed (unless you adjust front and back)
I like to cut my lawn at 4.5. It's a bit of a pain on my model adjusting my scalloping wheels. Could I not 3 blocks of wood at say 4.25"s (you cut yours at 2.25") and if the front and sides are all touching equally I know she is level. I know JD says to use 2.5" cut level on the deck for leveling as that is most accurate but I figure regardless, if each block is cut to the same height, and the deck is touching equally on the blocks and the scalloping wheels are not touching I should be good to go. (I have the X350 and have seen the video you speak of). Loved your video, thanks.
Thank You sir, worked great.
Great information!
Good advice I bought one of those leveling devices also and was not impresse.
Great video, thank you
Glad you found value!
When you measure the right side, where the bagger is, from ground to the underside of the deck, there is a metal bracket for the bagger along the bottom of the deck so you are actually measuring from the ground to the bracket...not to the deck. There is no bracket on the other side. Therefore, the bagger side (with the bracket under the deck) is going to be higher than the other side. Don't you think that will make your deck just a little unlevel, versus a deck without a bagger system? I don't have a bagger, and don't have that bracket on the right side. Also, I use the small wooden blocks, but I actually made my blocks longer so I can level my deck at the actual height that I mow it at. Like you, I mow with it set at 3", so rather than level it 2.5", and then set it to 3" to mow, I cut my blocks to fit under the deck when it is set at 3". Then I know it is level at the height I'm cutting. Otherwise, great video.
I noticed this as well. There is mulch shrouds that are bolted on around most of (but not all) of the bottom of the deck. When you measure, specifically on that right side, you need to find a spot without the shroud so you are measuring just the deck itself.
My X350 does not have the same leveling points. There is a small nub on the left side which I used but nothing on the other side. A well all the instructions say to make the adjustment on the front, measuring on the one side left side rod but you really have to do both sides and I could never get the whole thing even. So on my two front rods I am using a small level. Lastly it is not perfect after adjusting everything repeatedly I cut the lawn and looked at it visually. One side was still lower than the other so I manually adjusted it until it cut right.
The X350 is a little different but it’s very similar. The level gauge is located under the seat and you’ll also need the adjustment tool that goes through the holes to turn the bolt from the top, an improved design compared to my tractor. Here’s a video for more specifics on your exact tractor: ruclips.net/video/es_z6jGK2s4/видео.html
I bought my x350 5 years ago, went with the 48" deck option. This mower has never cut good from the start. New blades, sharpened blades, different style of blades. Leveled the deck per manual and 10 or 15 you tube videos. Talked to the john deere dealer I bought it from and he suggested maybe a bent deck, bad spindle, belt slipping issue. I thought I had the right solution, My garage floor has a drain in it, so it is not level. Built myself a level platform, checked to make sure it was level with a 6' level. Releveled the deck. Now the outside blades cut good, but the middle blade is cutting like there is no blade there at all. Oh and the bottom of the deck is powerwashed every couple of months in case anybody is wondering. Is there something I am missing here? Other than I could have saved myself a lot of grief and frustration and about $3,000.00 if I would have went to my local hardware store and bought a cheap murray. Which is what my Dad has and it cuts flawlessey. Anybody out there having the same issue with john a deere 48"deck?
How do I put my jd xtrax in forward and backward
do you still have your john deere x540 tractor?
Heck yeah bro! It’s in my will to be buried with it.
Your way may be faster and easier but if you want accuracy, use the John Deere measuring tool that you threw away.
It’s not really “my way”, I just followed along with the owner’s manual. I might do a video comparing the two methods that John Deere outlines and first level the deck based on the three leveling points and then go around with the gauge and check the blade height to see if it’s different like you suggest it might be. When you say “accuracy” are you referring to level or height of cut?
@@suburbanacreage That is a great idea to compare! I look forward to it. What I am referring to is verify the blades are 1/8 inch lower in the front and the same on each side.
I enjoy sarcastic humor. Say, why were ya wearin' ear muffs while airin' up yor tires?
Because prior to that, or maybe during, my compressor is running and it’s loud as hell. I mute most of my clips because the noise of the tools gets in the way of the narration and it’s hard to hear. Plus nobody wants to hear the audio of my air compressor screaming away. I also listen to music/podcasts so rather than constantly take them on and off, I just keep em on.
@@suburbanacreage Yeah, that's kinda what I thought. I was pretty sure you weren't the type to wear SWAT ballistic body armor when ya go out to trim the hedges.😁
I always try to wear the basics because people always comment if I don’t.
Question. You set the deck height at 2.5", but you cut the 2x4 blocks at 2.25". Why?
The blades, technically speaking, sit up inside the deck a little bit. So if you’re measuring off the bottom of the deck for leveling purposes, the blades will be sitting a little bit higher. I cut the blocks shorter to accommodate the difference that is the bottom of the deck compared to where the blades actually cut. It’s a “quick and dirty” way of deck leveling and the purists will trash the method saying height should always be measured at the blade, not the deck housing. This method gets me close enough for the DIY stuff I do though. Hope that helps 👍