How do you adjust mower deck on john deere stx38 hydro?

Answer 1

There are manuals around online that you will need to download to keep for permanent reference as there are 3 adjustments- 1) cutting height, 2) side-to-side level, 3) front-to-back tilt. I will answer #1 here and add a few hints. If you need info on #2 & #3, just reply back & I will dig these up. (saving my time now in case you arent watching this question). First, a few notes: 1) NEVER adjust to where the deck wheels touch the ground. The wheels are to ride 1/4" off the ground. 2) The long lever to your left which raises & lowers the deck has 3 settings. 1- Fully back toward you which has the deck raised (called transport mode). 2- Halfway down which is the normal mowing mode (called float mode) 3- Fully away from you which sets the deck fully on the ground. This mode is ONLY used for VERY rough terrain where the deck risks getting pushed into "transport" or "full up" mode & getting stuck there. 3) On front-to-back tilt, the front should be 1/2inch lower than the back for least damage to the grass. Ok-now to adjust "cutting" height. 1) Park on a level, flat surface. 2) Pull the deck lever fully back toward you to put the deck into "transport" mode. 3) twist the "cutting" height knob (just below your seat) to the height you want the grass cut. Has choices by 1/2" increments from 1" to 3.5". The deck in "transport" mode is 4". 4) Lower the deck lever to the midway/"floating" mode point. 5) Adjust each deck wheel with its own peg & pin to have at least 1/4" clearance from ground. Thats it for "cutting height" adjustments. Again reply back if you still need to know the other settings. Peace! Deb

Answer 2

park mower on a good hard flat surface. take ignition key out.turn a blade so the blade is pointing out towards the plastic grass shute.now measure distance from blade to ground. now check other blade,if it isnt the same distance adjust rear height adjuster nuts on one or both sides til both blades are the same height from ground . now when the deck is let down to your cutting height, the front of the deck should be about 7mm lower than the rear. if not adjust both rear adjusting nuts exactly the same amount up or down til you get that 7mm. tighten up lock nuts tight. you should not have to touch front stays,but if necessary adjust both sides so they have about 15mm free play when the deck is lifted up.