You level the deck according to the procedure in the operator's manual AFTER you've checked the tire pressure on all 4 tires and set it according to the specs.

Make sure you've parked on a level surface.

If you don't have the manual you can get look it up here...

http://www.deere.com/en_US/ProductCatalog/HO/servlet/servlet/com.deere.u90785.cce.productcatalog.view.servlets.PublicationsSearchServlet?tM=HO

Justalurker, thanks for your reply. Have checked the manual but can't find where it says if the deck should be down or up when making adjustnments. Have made sure tire pressure is in accordance with specs.-

I measure my deck at just above the mid range cut setting--about a 2 1/2 inch cutting height. It seems to be what the manuals for my tractors have recommended. So yes, with the blade down, not in transport, up mode. Make sure you are measuring at the blade tips and not at the deck edge.

From the operator's manual...

Installing Mower

1. Park machine safely. (See Parking Safely in the Safety section.)

2. Allow engine and muffler to cool completely.

3. Adjust mower cutting height to lowest position.

CAUTION: Avoid injury! Rotating blades are dangerous. Before adjusting or servicing mower:

Disconnect spark plug wire(s) to prevent engine from starting accidentally.

Always wear gloves when handling mower blades or working near blades.

MX11141

Picture Note: J-pin pulled back to show hole alignment for draft arm and deck bracket

4. Slide mower deck, guide wheels in front, under tractor and line up deck bracket (A) with draft arm (B).

5. Put wood blocks under each side of mower deck.

6. Unlock lift latch handle.

c CAUTION: Avoid injury! If lift pedal is spring-assisted it may have unexpected movement.

Lock lift pedal when installing or removing mower deck.

7. Pull lift pedal by hand to lower draft arms. Hold pedal securely and lock lift latch handle.

MX11140

8. Pull back J-pin (C) and insert through deck bracket (A) and draft arm (B). Make sure pin installs completely through deck bracket.

MX11178a

9. Install front draft rod (D) into hole in tractor bracket (E) and then into mower bracket (F). Make sure nut and rounded bushing are on front side of tractor bracket.

MX11177

10. Install spring locking pin (G) with loop of pin hanging down.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! The belt will be damaged if installed wrong. Route the belt properly through belt guides. See belt routing label on deck.

MX11176

11. Put mower drive belt on engine drive sheave (H) and route through both belt guide loops (I). Make sure belt is on all sheaves and idlers and is inside all belt guides, front and rear.

12. Remove wood blocks from both sides of mower.

IMPORTANT: Avoid damage! If the mower engagement rod is not adjusted properly, the mower belt may slip or drag on blade sheave resulting in belt damage.

NOTE: Make sure:

� Mower is at lowest possible cutting height

� Mower is at mowing position

� Mower engagement lever is pulled back into stop position

� Gauge wheels are not touching the ground.

MX11142b

Picture Note: View from beneath left side of tractor looking across mower deck, up and toward rear

13. Move PTO engagement rod (J) over brakeshaft (K) and align adjustment pin (L) with hole in tractor arm (M).

14. If pin (L) does not line up, loosen lock nut (N) and turn pin until pin slips freely into hole. Tighten lock nut.

15. Insert adjustment pin into hole in tractor arm.

16. Install washer (O) and spring locking pin (P) to fasten adjustment pin to arm.

17. Level mower.