Maintaining the level of your John Deere D130’s deck is crucial for ensuring an even and pristine lawn. An unbalanced deck can result in uneven cuts, scalping, and damage to your grass. Leveling the deck regularly is an essential part of lawn care and can significantly enhance the appearance and health of your lawn. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to level the deck of your John Deere D130, ensuring a level cut and a beautiful lawn.
Before beginning the leveling process, ensure that your John Deere D130 is parked on a flat and level surface. This will provide an accurate reference point for adjusting the deck level. Additionally, check the tire pressure to ensure that all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. Uneven tire pressure can affect the deck’s level, so adjusting the tires to the correct pressure is essential.
To begin leveling the deck, locate the deck leveling bolts. These bolts are typically situated at the front and rear of the deck and allow for adjustments in the deck’s height. Using a wrench or socket, loosen the leveling bolts but do not remove them completely. Next, place a level on the deck, ensuring that it is parallel to the ground. Adjust the leveling bolts until the level indicates that the deck is level both front to back and side to side. Once the deck is level, tighten the leveling bolts securely to lock in the adjustments.
Preparing the Deck for Leveling
Before adjusting the deck level on your John Deere D130, it is crucial to prepare the deck to ensure accurate leveling. This involves cleaning the deck thoroughly to remove any debris or grass clippings that may interfere with the leveling process. Additionally, it is recommended to remove the mower blades temporarily for safety.
To clean the deck, use a hose or pressure washer to remove loose debris and mud. Pay particular attention to the underside of the deck, where grass clippings can accumulate. Once the deck is clean, allow it to dry completely. If the mower blades need to be removed, refer to your John Deere D130 operator’s manual for detailed instructions.
With the deck clean and the blades removed, you can proceed to the next step in the leveling process, which involves measuring and adjusting the deck height using a spirit level.
Gathering Necessary Tools and Materials
Before beginning the leveling process, gather the following tools and materials:
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Wrench
- Lock nut wrench
- Anti-seize lubricant
Measuring and Leveling Equipment Selection
Choosing the right measuring and leveling tools is crucial for accuracy. A measuring tape or ruler with a minimum length of 12 inches is ideal for determining the distance between the deck and the ground. A level with a bubble indicator ensures a precise horizontal reference.
Recommended Level Types
- Spirit Level: A traditional level with a vial that contains a bubble suspended in liquid. When the bubble is centered, the level is horizontal.
- Laser Level: A modern tool that projects a laser beam to create a straight, horizontal line. This provides a highly accurate and convenient reference.
Adjusting the Front Caster Wheels
The front caster wheels on a John Deere D130 keep the mower deck level from side to side. If the mower deck is not level, it can cause the mower to cut unevenly or scalp the grass. To adjust the front caster wheels, follow these steps:
1. Park the mower on a level surface.
2. Engage the parking brake.
3. Locate the front caster wheels. They are located at the front of the mower deck, on either side of the frame.
4. Loosen the lock nuts on the caster wheels using a wrench.
5. Turn the caster wheels to adjust the height of the mower deck. The deck should be level from side to side.
6. Tighten the lock nuts on the caster wheels.
Leveling the Deck Using the Rear Levelling Rod
The rear level rod is a key tool for leveling the deck of your John Deere D130 mower. Here are the detailed steps on how to use it:
1. Position the Mower on a Level Surface
Place the mower on a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake to keep the mower from rolling.
2. Attach the Rear Levelling Rod
Locate the rear leveling rod, a long, thin rod with adjustable ends. Insert the rod into the slot on the left side of the mower deck. Position the movable end at the desired cutting height.
3. Loosen the Lock Nuts
Identify the two lock nuts located behind the rear wheels. Use a wrench to loosen these nuts, but do not remove them completely.
4. Adjust the Levelling Rod
Now, adjust the rear levelling rod by turning the adjustable end. As you turn it clockwise, the deck will raise; turning it counterclockwise will lower the deck. Ensure the deck is level by measuring the distance from the ground to the cutting edge of the blade at several points along the deck. The distance should be equal at all points.
| Front | Middle | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| [Distance] | [Distance] | [Distance] |
5. Tighten the Lock Nuts
Once the deck is leveled, tighten the lock nuts behind the rear wheels to secure the levelling rod in place.
6. Reattach the Rear Levelling Rod
Remove the rear levelling rod from the slot and reattach it to the right side of the mower deck. This ensures the deck remains level when operating the mower.
Adjusting the Front Axle
The front axle on your John Deere D130 is responsible for keeping the mower level when cutting. If the front axle is not properly adjusted, it can cause the mower to cut unevenly or make it difficult to operate. Adjusting the front axle is a simple process that can be completed in a few minutes.
To adjust the front axle, you will need the following tools:
- Wrench
- Level
- Measuring tape
Follow these steps to adjust the front axle:
- Park the mower on a level surface.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the top of the cutting deck at the front of the mower.
- Measure the distance from the ground to the top of the cutting deck at the rear of the mower.
- If the difference between the two measurements is more than 1/2 inch, the front axle needs to be adjusted.
- If the front of the mower is higher than the rear, tighten the nuts on the front axle. If the front of the mower is lower than the rear, loosen the nuts on the front axle.
- Retest the mower on a level surface to ensure that it is cutting evenly.
| Adjustment | Description |
|---|---|
|
Tighten nuts on front axle |
Raise front of the mower |
|
Loosen nuts on front axle |
Lower front of the mower |
Fine-Tuning the Deck Height
Once you’ve leveled the deck overall, you may want to fine-tune the height to ensure a precise cut. Use the following steps:
1. Set the Deck Height
Adjust the height adjustment knob on the front or back of the deck to the desired cutting height. Refer to your owner’s manual for recommended heights for different grass types.
2. Position the Deck
Move the mower to a flat, level surface. Engage the parking brake to prevent it from rolling.
3. Measure the Distance
Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the blade tips at the four corners of the deck.
4. Adjust the Corner Bolt
If the distance at any corner is different from the others, loosen the corner bolt at that corner and turn it slightly to raise or lower the deck height.
5. Recheck the Measurements
After adjusting the corner bolt, measure the distance again to ensure it is now level with the other corners.
6. Adjust the Anti-Scalp Wheels (if applicable)
Some John Deere D130 models are equipped with anti-scalp wheels. These wheels help prevent scalping when mowing on uneven terrain. Adjust the anti-scalp wheels as follows:
a) Determine the Adjustment Range: Locate the anti-scalp wheel brackets on the deck. They typically have a range of adjustment holes.
b) Set the Height: Adjust the height of the anti-scalp wheels so that they are slightly higher than the cutting height of the deck. This helps prevent them from touching the ground and causing scalping.
c) Lock the Wheels: Once the desired height is achieved, tighten the locking nuts on the anti-scalp wheel brackets to secure them in place.
| Measurement | Blade Tip Distance from Ground |
|---|---|
| Front Left | 1 1/2″ |
| Front Right | 1 1/2″ |
| Back Left | 1 1/2″ |
| Back Right | 1 1/2″ |
Checking the Deck Level with a Level
Step 1: Preparation
Gather a level (ideally a torpedo or box level) and a wrench. Ensure the lawn is level and the deck is clean and free of debris.
Step 2: Position the Level
Place the level on the mower deck in the fore-aft direction (front to back) and parallel to the blade spindles.
Step 3: Level the Front
Adjust the wheel or leveling nut on the front of the deck until the level indicates a level surface.
Step 4: Move to the Middle
Reposition the level to the middle of the deck, perpendicular to the first measurement. Adjust the wheel or leveling nut on the corresponding side until the deck is level.
Step 5: Check the Rear
Move the level to the rear of the deck and repeat the measurement perpendicular to the middle measurement. Adjust the wheels or leveling nuts on the corresponding side as necessary.
Step 6: Repeat Fore-Aft
Return to the fore-aft direction and recheck the level. If needed, make further adjustments to ensure the deck remains level in all directions.
Step 7: Diagonal Check
To ensure the deck is level from corner to corner, place the level diagonally from front left to rear right and from front right to rear left. If the level does not show a level surface, adjust the wheels or leveling nuts until the deck is level diagonally as well.
Tightening the Hardware
Once you have prepared the deck and adjusted the leveling bolts, it’s crucial to tighten all the hardware securely to ensure the deck remains level during operation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to tightening the hardware:
Step 1: Tighten the Leveling Bolts
Using a socket wrench or adjustable wrench, carefully tighten the leveling bolts that you adjusted previously. Ensure they are snug but not overtightened, as this can damage the threads or strip the heads.
Step 2: Tighten the Adjusting Rod
If your John Deere D130 features an adjustable rod, locate the nuts located at the ends of the rod. Tighten these nuts to secure the rod and prevent the deck from shifting.
Step 3: Tighten the Deck Mounting Bolts
Identify the bolts that secure the deck to the frame of the tractor. Using a socket wrench or adjustable wrench, tighten these bolts securely to ensure the deck is firmly attached and cannot move.
Step 4: Tighten the Anti-Scalp Wheels (if equipped)
If your mower is equipped with anti-scalp wheels, inspect them for any loose bolts or nuts. Tighten them as necessary to ensure the wheels are secured and will not cause scalping during mowing.
Step 5: Tighten the Pulley Idler Arm Bolts
Locate the pulley idler arms that tension the drive belt. Tighten their bolts to ensure the belt is properly tensioned and will not slip during operation.
Step 6: Tighten the Spindle Bolts
Identify the bolts that secure the mower spindles to the deck. Using a socket wrench, tighten these bolts to ensure the spindles are securely attached and will not wobble or loosen during operation.
Step 7: Tighten the Belt Tensioner Bolts
Locate the bolt or nuts that adjust the belt tensioner. Tighten them to ensure the belt is properly tensioned and will not slip or become loose during mowing.
Step 8: Double-Check All Hardware
Once you have tightened all the hardware, double-check each bolt, nut, and connection to ensure everything is securely fastened. Use the following table as a checklist to help you:
| Hardware | Check |
|---|---|
| Leveling Bolts | Snug |
| Adjusting Rod Nuts | Snug |
| Deck Mounting Bolts | Tight |
| Anti-Scalp Wheel Bolts | Tight |
| Pulley Idler Arm Bolts | Tight |
| Spindle Bolts | Tight |
| Belt Tensioner Bolts | Tight |
Testing the Leveling
Once you’ve adjusted the deck height, it’s important to test the leveling to ensure it’s cutting evenly across the entire width. Here’s how to do it:
1. Measure and Mark the Deck
Measure the distance from the ground to the top of the cutting deck at each corner. Mark these measurements on the deck with a paint pen or masking tape.
2. Level the Deck
Use the leveling adjustment bolts to level the deck according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Typically, this involves turning the bolts clockwise to lower that side of the deck or counterclockwise to raise it.
3. Recheck the Measurements
Remeasure the distance from the ground to the top of the deck at each corner. The measurements should now be within 1/8 inch of each other.
4. Make Fine Adjustments
If the measurements are not equal, make fine adjustments to the leveling bolts until the deck is level. Turn the bolts in small increments using a wrench.
5. Repeat for the Opposite Side
Once the first side of the deck is leveled, repeat the process for the other side.
6. Cut a Test Swath
Drive the mower over a small patch of grass to create a test swath. Inspect the cut to ensure it is even and without scalping.
7. Make Final Adjustments
If the cut is uneven, adjust the leveling bolts further and repeat the test cut until you are satisfied with the results.
8. Test on an Incline
If you plan to mow on slopes, test the leveling on an incline to ensure the deck remains level when cutting uphill or downhill.
9. Periodically Check the Leveling
Over time, the deck may shift or become unlevel due to wear and tear. Inspect and adjust the leveling as needed to maintain a level cutting surface, especially before each mowing session.
| Tools You’ll Need: |
|---|
| Wrench |
| Paint pen or masking tape |
| Measuring tape |
Maintaining a Level Deck
One of the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn is to have a level mowing deck. A level deck ensures that your lawn is cut evenly and efficiently, without scalping or leaving long patches of grass.
1. Park the Tractor on a Level Surface
The first step to leveling the deck is to park the tractor on a level surface. This will ensure that the deck is level when you begin the adjustment process.
2. Engage the Parking Brake
Once the tractor is parked, engage the parking brake to prevent it from moving while you are making adjustments.
3. Locate the Leveling Bolts
There are typically two leveling bolts on each side of the mower deck. These bolts are located on the front and rear of the deck.
4. Adjust the Leveling Bolts
Using a wrench or socket, adjust the leveling bolts until the deck is level. To do this, turn the bolts clockwise to raise the deck and counterclockwise to lower the deck.
5. Check the Level
After adjusting the leveling bolts, check the level of the deck using a level. Place the level on the deck and make sure that the bubble is centered.
6. Repeat Steps 4-5
If the deck is not level, repeat steps 4-5 until the bubble is centered.
7. Tighten the Leveling Bolts
Once the deck is level, tighten the leveling bolts to secure the deck in place.
8. Clean the Deck
After leveling the deck, clean the deck to remove any grass clippings or debris. This will help prevent the deck from rusting.
9. Lubricate the Deck
Lubricate the deck regularly to keep it moving smoothly. This will help extend the life of the deck and mower.
10. Store the Tractor Properly
When you are not using the tractor, store it in a dry, protected area. This will help prevent the deck from rusting and other damage.
How to Level the Deck on a John Deere D130
It is important to maintain the level of the mower deck periodically to make sure the cutting blades are making even contact with the ground. This will ensure a smooth, even cut and prevent any scalping or uneven mowing. Here are the steps to level the deck on a John Deere D130 lawn tractor:
Step 1: Safety First
Before adjusting the mower deck, ensure your John Deere D130 is parked on a level surface with the engine turned off and parking brake engaged. Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent the engine from starting accidentally.
Step 2: Locate the Leveling Bolts
Position yourself underneath the front and rear of the mower deck. You will find two leveling bolts on each side, for a total of four bolts. These bolts are typically located on the frame rails of the deck.
Step 3: Measure and Adjust
Using a spirit level or a leveling tool, measure the distance from the ground to the top of the cutting blades at the front and rear of the deck. The distance should be the same on both sides.
If the measurements are not equal, use a wrench to adjust the leveling bolts. Turn the bolts clockwise to raise the deck and counterclockwise to lower it.
Step 4: Recheck and Confirm
Once you have adjusted the leveling bolts, recheck the measurements to ensure the deck is level. Make any necessary fine-tuning adjustments until the deck is level on all sides.
Step 5: Tighten and Reattach
Tighten all four leveling bolts securely with a wrench to ensure the deck remains level during operation.
Reconnect the spark plug wire and start the engine of your John Deere D130 to verify that the deck is operating correctly.
