A top adjusting linkage for leveling a mower deck (11) includes a generally vertically aligned lift rod (25) connecting a pair of pivotable arms (22) supporting the mower deck (11). One of the lift arms (22) may be pivotably connected to a deck lift pedal (18). The lift rod (25) has an effective length between the pivotable arms (22), and an engageable upper end (27) to change the effective length. A fender deck (13) with an access hole (32) is provided directly above the upper end (27) of the lift rod (25), so that an operator can engage the upper end (27) of the lift rod (25).
