New 30hp 60" xr-7 deck height?

[Shady Brook]

I just picked up a new 60" XR-7 and noticed the deck height was set at 3 1/4" and when I got home I measured it at 2 3/4". I went to elevate the deck so that it matched the indicator, but could not get the deck into transport mode. It appears to have the same problem as my Super Mini did. Has anyone else measured their new mower with XR-7 to see if it is matching your actual cutting height? I wonder if the new deeper deck is making it impossible for the cut heigh to match the indicator, or if enough playing around with the deck adjustment will get the job done? I tried this several times with my Super Mini only to waste a great deal of time and add to my frustration when it proved to be to no avail in the end.

I would like to hear what you fellas have discovered.

[mowerconsultant]

I know its been a couple days since you posted this, I have been traveling, I am sorry I couldn't get to it sooner.
What way was your deck pin turned? that will change the height by 1/4 inch, but I am sure you know that.
Your deck should be able to go all the way to transport, if it still isn't right let your dealer know, they can take care of it.

Pj

[syzer]

I just picked up a new 60" XR-7 and noticed the deck height was set at 3 1/4" and when I got home I measured it at 2 3/4". I went to elevate the deck so that it matched the indicator, but could not get the deck into transport mode. It appears to have the same problem as my Super Mini did. Has anyone else measured their new mower with XR-7 to see if it is matching your actual cutting height? I wonder if the new deeper deck is making it impossible for the cut heigh to match the indicator, or if enough playing around with the deck adjustment will get the job done? I tried this several times with my Super Mini only to waste a great deal of time and add to my frustration when it proved to be to no avail in the end.

I would like to hear what you fellas have discovered.


We also had this problem with our xr-7 60", we just figured out which hole gave us the height we desired and marked it so everyone knows where to keep it.

[Shady Brook]

Hey PJ

Yes, I understand the pin adjustment. I checked air pressure and all that good stuff. I adjusted the deck height so that it matched the indicator and that is when it would not go into transport mode. I dropped her back enough so that she would go into transport, and I am very near that same 1/2" off. I notice that I drag badley getting on and off the trailer with my foot on the pedal so that the deck is lifted to the stops on the frame. With my 2004 I do not drag at all. I know the longer wheelbase is causing some of this, but maybe the extra 1/2" I am not getting is making it more pronounced.

Thanks
Jay

[Mickhippy]

Is the spacer for the fusion blades fitted? Are you using the fusion blades? If your using the spacer and stepped blades, you'll change the cutting height.

Im running a 04 SZ with the spacer and blades with a 1/4" step down. Obviously this has changed the cutting height by the 1/4".

[Shady Brook]

I am running the stock fusion blades and stock spacer. I am sure I will get used to it, just wish they could make the decks and indicators match on a $9,000 mower. Plus, I was currious if this is why it wants to belly out on my trailer where my other Super Z does not. I hate dragging going on and off.

[tacoma200]

Maybe a ramp extension or raising your trailer hitch ball up a bit would help with the dragging. The longer wheelbase may well be making a difference.

[Mickhippy]

I have not doubt that the longer frame is the cause of the bottoming out. You could try lessening the angle on the ramp.

Mate, my SZ cost me $18000! What are you worried about? lol

[TLS]

I have to fiddle with mine.

Pin set at 3.5" and it measures 3" front, and 3.5" rear.

First of all, thats WAY too much front rake.

Second of all, I also want it to match the hole.

I think I could get it to measure right with about 20psi in all 4 tires.

I also scrape BAD when backing off the trailer. Catches the blade bolts. I was stuck pretty good the first day I mowed with it. Couldn't go forward or backwards.

I feel the decks should raise a 1/4" more, but those rear bump stops prevent that.

I'm having better luck with 11psi in the tires also. The 6 and 8psi they were at when I took delivery was a bit low.

I'm also getting a bit of black belt dust all over the white plastic deck belt tensioner/pulley area. I hope it's just the belt breaking-in.

[jcltyson]

Just an fyi... I had similar problems until I purchased a trailer with a 2 foot dove-tail extension...no more dragging!

[Shady Brook]

JCLtyson

I do have a dove tail on my trailer. I had it put on for a Super mini that drug all the time. It helped with the mini, but not with the new Super. I shutter to think what trouble I would have without the dove.

TLS

We think alot alike. I have gone through the exact same process you enumerated, and I agree with you on all counts!

I do not have the front rake you mention as I appear to have no rake at all. I have not seen any stringers yet, so I am hessitant to fool around with the rake. With 20 psi I could still not even get back a quarter of an inch.

I had the belt problem on the mini when I tried to get the deck high enough to match the indicator. I also found that if I raised the deck all the way up to clear something with the blades on, the belt would touch the frame causing premature ware. Be careful, and carry spare belts! Hope this is not happening to you just the same.

Thanks

[TLS]

I went to adjust the heavy front rake last night....The deck chains aren't adjustable!

On my Lazer, the chains are hung on slotted holes. This allowed you to adjust all 4 corners perfectly and have all 4 chains tight. I cant believe the holes aren't slotted on the Hustler!?

I guess I'm going to have to adjust deck pitch via those threaded rods? And then adjust the height rod in the same fashion to attempt to achieve proper height indication. I'd really like to be able to air my tires down a bit, the ride was much smoother at 8psi.



As far as belt wear goes...My deck belt is hitting the pump belt! It is also hitting the pump belt idler pulley! I assume this only happens in the transport position, but with it being SO easy to accidently click it up in that notch and NOT realize it, I guess it happens enough to wear it. The pump belt is fraying on the bottom. Deck belt seems OK for now. I had no idea things were so close under there.

I'd take it to my dealer if I had confidence in him. I've been there 5 times in the process of purchasing it, and have yet to see their mechanic. I'd be afraid he'd mess it up even more!

Is there any other things to watch out for (ex: don't do this or that will break...etc)?

Heck I changed the oil the other day, and didn't realize Kohler changed their dipstick checking procedure. Now they're like the small Kawi's where you DON'T thread the dipstick in! I was running a day about a 1/4 quart low because I was threading it in to check it!

[mowerconsultant]

Tom,
You need to let your dealer know, at least give him the opportunity to look at the mower and correct it.
The deck leveling is a fairly simple job, it takes a bit to learn it, but once you have done it once, it is easy, and rarely does it need to be done again.
As to the belt rubbing, this is odd, I would ask you to bring it to the dealer and let him take care of it.
The mower has a warranty, and the best one at that, we back out products, let us take care of this.

Pj

[C.T. Lawn Care]

so do we have a fix for the height adjustment yet?

[TLS]

I adjusted and repitched my deck. Took a minute to figure out what rod does what, but it's not real difficult to do.

I was able to get mine SPOT on with the indicator. I also fixed the problem where the foot lift accidentally locks in transport position when you don't want it to.

It's a beautiful thing.

[C.T. Lawn Care]

so... maybe the dealer didnt adjust it right? does it tell in the manual what the pitch of the deck should be?