Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere STX38 Deck, john deere stx38, gauge wheels

Question
QUESTION: Hello.  I have a JD STX38 that is cutting unevenly due to the deck not being adjusted properly.  Can you please tell me the procedure and the measurements (how high front, how high back)?  I cant afford to buy a manual!

ANSWER: Hello Will:

I Just Reviewed the Breakdown of this Mower and There are No Deck Adjustments. All the Lift Linkage is Solid and the Only Adjustment I See is the Gauge Wheels. I will Ask the Mechanic in the Shop Tomorrow and See if I Missed Something and I will Follow Up if I Did. Check for Stuck Linkage or Bent Lift Rods. Check the Blade Spindles and Ensure they are Good. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Its solid but has long "adjuster rods" (threaded bolts) on the front that attach to the front axle.  I think you loosen/tighten these bolts (with a DEEP 5 mm btw).  I was wondering how much lower the front needs to be compared to the back.  Nothing is stuck/bent but the spindles are iffy...Thank you for your help!

Answer
Hello Again Will:

If the Adjuster Rods are Horizontal, then They Adjust the Deck Forwards and Backwards to Adjust Belt Tension.  If the Rods are Vertical, Turn the Blades so the Cutting Edges are Front and Rear in Line with the Mowers Frame. Now Lower the Deck to the Height of your Normal Cut and Set the Front of the BLADES the Same Height as the Rear of the BLADES. A Little Higher if Required; but No Higher than 4"; Usually at 4 1/2" the Deck Lift is Starting to Shift to the Carry Position and on Some Models the Decks Tilts a Little Forward. Measure from the Blades to the Flat Surface, Not the Deck Metal. The Deck Metal can be Level, but the Blades will be Unleveled because of Warping of the Deck Metal Under Stress. You will be Measuring 4 Points which are the Blade Cutting Areas at the End of the Blades. **BE CAREFUL SHARP EDGES** Remember you have to Raise Each Side As Close together as Possible or when you Raise the Other Side it will Lower/Raise the Side you Just Adjusted. I Usually Turn Both Adjusters 2 or 3 Turns and then Check all 3 Points and Then Shorten your Turns as you Get Closer to Level. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John