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Is your John Deere mower deck stuck in up position? In this article, you will about the possible causes and fixes for this problem.

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Why is John Deere Lawn Mower Deck Stuck in Up Position?

Here are some of the reasons why your John Deere mower deck is stuck in up position and the possible solutions to the problem:

Lift Cable

The lift cable connects the mower deck to the engine. If it is damaged or broken, it can prevent your John Deere mower deck from going down.

Fix: Replace the lift cable.

Latch Not Engaging

If the latch that holds the deck in place does not engage properly, it might make the mower deck get stuck in an up position.

Fix: Lubricate or adjust the latch.

Mower Blades Catching

Mower blades that are not sharp enough might catch the grass and make the deck stuck in up position.

Fix: Replace the mower blade with a sharper one.

Decay in Hydraulics

Your mower’s hydraulic system can wear out over time, keeping your John Deere mower deck from going down.

Fix: Replace the hydraulic system.

Deck Height Adjustment Lever

The lever is used to adjust the deck height of your mower, and if it is not set correctly, it could stop the deck from going down.

Fix: Set the lever to the lowest position possible before using the mowing machine.

Rock, Branch or Pile of Leaves Might Block It from Going Down

Some objects might block the deck from going down. This could be a branch, rock or even a pile of leaves. If you can’t see anything obvious that is blocking the deck, move any object that is near your mowing machine and see if this fixes this problem.

How to Adjust Zero Turn John Deere Mower Deck Height Correctly

Here are a few tips on how to adjust your John Deere zero-turn mower deck height correctly:

Gather the Necessary Tools

You will need:

Wrenches
Protective equipment
Tire pressure gauge
A deck-leveling gauge compatible with your John Deere zero-turn mower or lawn tractor.

Prepare the Work Area

Park your mower on a flat and hard surface (such as your driveway). Turn off the engine, engage the brake and remove the key from the ignition. Check the tire pressure and ensure that your tires are properly inflated.

Although the exact pressure might differ from model to model, it is advisable to check the manual of your John Deere mower for the exact number. Inflate or deflate the tires as needed until they are all level.

Raise the Deck

Once your tires are level, you can raise the deck to the highest level.

Set the Deck Height

Lower your mower deck to the desired cutting height. Check the deck wheels and make sure that they do not touch the ground.

Adjust the Blades Side-to-Side

To adjust the blades from side to side, turn the right blade with the tip towards you and make sure that it is straight.

Measure the distance from the blade to the ground. It should not match the cutting height that you have earlier set. If you notice that you have measured a different distance, write the number down on a piece of paper.

Follow the same process for the left blade and adjust the height by loosening or tightening the screw on the deck hanging rod until the measurement corresponds with the desired cutting height.

Adjust the Blades Front-to-Rear

Once you have adjusted the cutting height from side to side, turn the right blade so that the tip points to the front of your lawn mower.

On both sides, measure the blade tip to the ground. If they are not aligned, you can loosen the rear nuts and turn the rod nuts in a clockwise position to lower the blades or clockwise to raise them.

After doing this, engage the mower and mow a patch of grass to check the machine’s mower level. Re-adjust the deck height if needed.

Conclusion

There are several reasons why your John Deere lawn mower might get stuck in an up position. Dealing with a stuck mower deck when you want to lower it can be a bit challenging.

We hope that this guide will help you know the problems and how to fix them. If you have tried the above troubleshooting tips and your mower deck is still stuck in up position, it is advisable to seek the help of an expert.