I have a 42" Craftsman LT1000, Model Number 917.271634 rider and can not seem to get the mowing deck level. Every time I mow it leaves stripes in the grass where the grass is cut lower. Can anyone give me some pointers?
Thanks,

Hi,
From the manual, attached, you have links beneath your running boards (basically.) Simple use a flat surface. Nothing helps if the blades are or the deck shell is warped; so do check the blade tips to see if they line up with each other at the center of the deck.
Peace,
Clarke

I have the same tractor and recently had the same problem. Clarke has given you excellent directions to adjust the deck. However, your tires spec 10 psi on rears and I would confirm that both tires are exactly at 10 psi before you start adjusting the deck. Decks do not go out of adjustment easily but tire do leak air slowly.

When my tractor left stripes on the lawn, it wasn't that the deck wasn't level, it was a bent mandrel shaft from my son hitting an object. Inspect the underside of the deck, bring both blades together in the middle and measure the height from the deck of the tips... should be very close. Then spin 1 blade 180 degrees out and measure again. Do the same with the other blade and measure. If at any time you get a difference of 1/4 " or more, you may have a bent blade or a bent mandrel shaft. Hope this helps.

picatractor