Deck leveling on a GT 54" 324-190
 

Hello all,
I have entitled deck on a Cyclops 2182. Had some questions about the deck.

1. Should the "mule" (lift frame) bear most of the weight, or the adjustable ball rollers, on the deck?.
2. Should the "leveling bolt," be tightened down on the center frame leg? Or, used to "level" the front to back adjustment?

Seems that one is contrary to the other. If the ball rollers are used to adjust height, then what is the purpose of the "jam" nut on the front lift bracket? If I leave the deck leveling bolt loose from the leg, it will rattle when mowing.

Your opinion please,
Vertigo1...

Go here for the manual and enter 190-324-100. serial #123456

It shows you what you need to know.

http://manuals.mtdproducts.com/mtd/P...randCode=10051

The front hangers are to adjust hi/lo, fore/aft.

Opinions vary on what carries the deck weight. Mine is..................

The lift frame carries the weight, the wheels hit the grass but carry no continuous weight except the high spots on the ground. My reason? Deck wheels wear, deck axles wear. The wheel mounting brackets wear. They're all three expensive to replace. Just get them above the ground and they'll last forever and still cut evenly.

The other thing. when you run the wheels on the ground, you run the risk of tearing off the wheel mounting brackets, and/or bending them out of shape. I have about 10 of these GT 48" and 54" decks and at least half them had been damaged by running them too low by previous owners. Once repaired, no problem with them.

Thanks for the advice.
 

The manual stats to use the "ball" wheels to adjust the mowing height. I tried Mikes suggestion and like it better. Maybe I'm just reading it wrong.
I seem to be able to mow a bit faster, plus less drag marks in the finished product.
Thank you both for your suggestions.
Vertigo1...