Can't keep my deck level

Ronno6

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #1

I have a couple of MTD mowers.
Model # shouldn't be important as this is a generic adjustment system with MTD mowers.
Both use the same deck leveling system: a large hex bolt adjustment gear up/down on the left side secured by a smaller bolt in the middle of the large one.
My 46" mower seems to hold adjustment fine.
The 54" is another matter.
Seems that the adjustment gear keeps dropping down and causing the deck to be uneven side to side, regardless of how much I tighten the fixing bolt.

Any suggestions?

 

jekjr

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #2

We find that 99.9% of the deck leveling problems we have are tire air pressure. A small differential in air pressure between the right and left tires will make a significant difference. Then adjusting for the different without correcting the tire pressure greatly distorts the problem even further.

 

Ronno6

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #3

jekjr said:

We find that 99.9% of the deck leveling problems we have are tire air pressure. A small differential in air pressure between the right and left tires will make a significant difference. Then adjusting for the different without correcting the tire pressure greatly distorts the problem even further.

Click to expand...

Thanks.
In my case I know that adjuster is not staying where I put it......the left side keeps dropping down, and that
is visually verifiable from looking at the adjustment mechanism.
I guess that puts my mower in the .1%

 

BlazNT

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #4

Model number so I can look up parts?

 

Ronno6

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #5

BlazNT said:

Model number so I can look up parts?

Click to expand...

Model #14AR808K731
Deck assy page; Item # 15 and 40 (and 51 lockwasher..)

Thanks!

 

BlazNT

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #6

Have you checked the kog and the bolt threads?

 

Ronno6

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #7

BlazNT said:

Have you checked the kog and the bolt threads?

Click to expand...

I am not certain I grasp what you are asking.
The bolt #15 Does get tight.
That should indicate that the threads are in good shape.

I do need to verify that the lock washer is present...
If the LW is missing, it is conceivable that the adjuster #40 could slip, even with the bolt tight.

 

BlazNT

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #8

Make sure the back of your adjuster bolt looks like this

 

Ronno6

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #9

BlazNT said:

Make sure the back of your adjuster bolt looks like thisView attachment 29623

Click to expand...

The parts all function as designed.....rotating the adjuster does move the left side up or down, it just won't stay where I put it..........

 

7394

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• Aug 20, 2016 / Can't keep my deck level

• #10

Loc-Tite