How to Level My Craftsman LT1000 Mower Deck
- 1). Park the Craftsman LT1000 mower over a level surface in the yard, driveway or garage. Raise the mower deck to its highest cutting level. Shut off the engine and pull the key out of the ignition switch.
- 2). Go to one side of the mower deck. At the center of the deck, measure from the bottom deck lip to the ground with a tape measure. Repeat for the other side of the mower deck. Both measurements should be within 1/8-inch of each other. If not, level the deck on one side only.
- 3). Find the link adjustment nut on one side of the mower. The link adjustment nut is on the linkage connecting to the top of the mower deck. Turn the adjustment nut clockwise with a socket wrench to raise the side of the deck. If the side needs lowering, turn the nut counterclockwise.
- 4). Measure both sides of the deck once again. Continue making adjustments on the same side as necessary.
- 5). Go to the right side of the mower deck. Measure the distance from the lower front lip of the deck to the ground and the rear, bottom lip to the ground. The front should be between 1/8- to 1/2-inch lower than the rear.
- 6). Find the two front adjusting links. The links are near each front wheel. The links secure to a solid metal flange with nuts on each side.
- 7). Loosen the outer nuts on each linkage the same number of turns with a socket wrench to lower the front of the deck. Remeasure the front and rear distances. Tighten the rear nut on each linkage with a wrench once the deck adjustment is correct.
- 8). Turn the inner nuts on each linkage counterclockwise, if the front of the deck requires raising. Remeasure the distance and tighten the outer nuts against the metal flange once the desired adjustment is complete.
