How to Level the Deck of a LT1050 Cub Cadet

Cub Cadet mowers -- known by their yellow and white color scheme -- have been a staple on North American lawns since the early 1960s. The LT1050, powered by a Kohler gasoline engine, is part of Cub Cadet's 1000 Series tractors. The cutting deck contains two blades that cut a 50-inch swath in just one pass. A cutting deck that is out of adjustment will not cut evenly, and you will need to level the deck.

Heavy work gloves

Measuring tape

Wrench set

Park the mower on a firm, level surface such as a driveway or garage floor and apply the parking brake. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting. Raise the mower deck to its highest setting using the deck-height adjustment lever beside the driver's seat.

Reach under the deck with a gloved hand near the grass chute and rotate the blade closest to you so that it is in a longitudinal position with the mower. Measure from the ground to the tips of each end of the blade. Note that front-to-rear adjustment is needed if the front of the blade is not 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch lower than the rear of the blade.

Locate the deck mounting bracket at the front of the mower. Loosen the two nuts on the front face of the bracket with a wrench.

Locate the lock nuts on the side of the bracket opposite of the two nuts loosened earlier. Twist the nuts clockwise with a wrench to raise the front of the mower deck. Turn the nuts counterclockwise to lower the deck.

Tighten the two nuts on the front of the bracket when the correct blade height has been achieved.

Park the mower on a firm, level surface such as a driveway or garage floor and apply the parking brake. Remove the key from the ignition switch to prevent accidental starting. Raise the mower deck to its highest setting using the deck-height adjustment lever beside the driver's seat.

Reach under the deck with a gloved hand and rotate both blades so that they are perpendicular with the mower. Measure from the ground to the outermost tip of each blade. Note that side-to-side adjustment is needed if both measurements are not equal.

Locate the bolt head on the deck hanger bracket on the left side of the mower, just ahead of the rear wheel. Loosen the bolt by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench, but do not remove it.

Locate the adjustment gear behind the bolt just loosened. Turn the gear clockwise with a wrench to raise the left side of the deck, or turn it counterclockwise to lower the left side of the deck.

Tighten the bolt on the hanger bracket once the tips of each blade are at an equal height from the ground.

A low tire on one side may cause an uneven cut. Check the tire pressure on all four tires of your LT1050 and add air as needed to low tires. Look for the recommended tire pressure imprinted on the tire sidewall.