The belt tensioner trick was awesome. Thank you! I didn't see you mention getting your tires to the proper PSI before leveling the deck. I was do that as the first step. Sorry if I missed it in the video.
That was the first time I found someone using a wrench to loosen the tension in order to easily install the belt! THANK YOU!!! Now off to finally mow my lawn!
THANK YOU Foggy - very helpful!! Although you've probably figured this out by now, using a breaker bar on the tensioner rather than a ratchet will give you a bit more length and leverage - and insert it into the tensioner before sliding the deck back into position. I've been using your wood trick for 20 years with a slight mod - I use 3 pieces of scrap 2x6's cut to the correct height. Save for next time when finished.
Thank you for posting this! I bought mine from my brother-in-law but without the manual. I replaced the belt but didn’t know about adjusting and well my lawn gets cuts in it and looks horrible. I am going to try this today.
Thanks for the explanation. I have three pieces of curtain pole cut to the same size as the “built in” gauge and find that speeds up the adjustment process. Also, just so you know, .the adjustment sequence is shown on the gauge. Happy mowing!
Great video for early x300’s that do not have the adjustment tool and ports (as utilized for back part of deck). Good idea re. using the wood blocks as well. 👍🏼
Thank you for a very informative and clear video. I just bought a used, almost identical x300 just like yours and although the tractor is in excellent condition my first order of business is leveling the cut height. The previous owner of mine appears to have had the same issue as yours because I cut my grass pretty tall and the highest cut of this JD was cutting much lower than my older push mower, not acceptable of course. What was the main symptom that made you change the tension belt on the deck? Also, what cut height are you using now that you adjusted the deck up?
You're welcome, and I'm glad you found the information useful. I changed my belt because I found a few cracks in it. Honestly, it would have been okay for a while, but since I was going through the trouble anyway, I figured I'd replace it. I typically cut my grass 3" or a little higher. I think my deck is set on 3.24 at present. I've mowed 5-6 times with this tractor already, and I'm thrilled with the results. It does a great job.
Foggy, many thanks for the great video. One question for you.... and it might be kind of a dumb question... is the gauge 2.75 inches? I have a 2006 x304 (four-wheel steering) with a 42inch deck, but the deck seems to hook up to the tractor the same as the x300. My model year did not include the deck leveling tool and the manual is long gone, so I'm hoping I can replicate the wooden jigs you utilized. If they are 2.75 inches in height, please let me know. Thanks again.
