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  1. Repair Parts Home
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  3. Lawn-Tractor
  4. Can't Adjust Deck Height

Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

If your lawn tractor will not allow you to adjust the deck height, check the following parts: pins, cable, rod, brackets, and linkage. Although this is a somewhat rare symptom, our repair guide can help you fix this problem easily. Our repair information is a general guide to help you, but for more specific repair information related to your model, check your owner's manual.

Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

Pins

Pins are used to attach different rods to the unit. If one or more of these pins break off, it can make adjusting the deck height difficult. If you are experiencing this symptom, check all pins carefully and replace any missing ones with the correct size.
Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

Brackets

The bracket is attached to the mower deck and houses the deck gear assembly, which raises and lowers the deck. If this bracket becomes damaged in any way it can affect the ability to adjust the deck. To replace the bracket, first remove the mower deck (follow instructions under the “deck adjustment gear” section on this page for this step if needed). Next, locate the bracket and deck adjustment assembly, and remove the bolt holding it in position. Replace the damaged bracket with a new one, and re-install the hold-down bolt and the mower deck.
Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

Linkages

Aside from a deck adjustment gear, your mower may have a linkage that helps adjust the deck height. The linkage has a nut that you can tighten to raise the deck and loosen to lower the deck. If the metal linkage becomes damaged or seized, and you can't make these adjustments, a new linkage is required. To replace the linkage, first remove the pin on the mower deck that holds the linkage in place. Remove the cable and linkage together, then remove the cable from the linkage itself. At this point, you can replace the linkage and re-install the cable.
Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

Cable

Your lawn tractor has a cable that connects the lift handle to the mower deck. It is connected by a linkage or a rod and helps raise and lower the mower deck. Over time the cable can stretch and even break, and when this happens the cable will need to be replaced. Be sure to check your instruction manual prior to repair, as the cable replacement steps will vary by model. To replace the cable, first locate the attachment points for this cable and disconnect it. You may or may not have to remove mower deck, seat, and seat cowling to reach the attachments on your tractor's lever. There may be pulleys to run the cable along, or it may have hold-down bolts depending on your model and cable. Once you've located the mounting points and running points for this cable, you will need to consult your manual to determine what the best procedure is to replace this cable. Cables will be attached by pins and washers.
Lawn Tractor Parts: Can't adjust deck height

Rods

If a rod becomes bent for any reason it can cause difficulty when adjusting your deck height. A bent rod will need to be replaced to solve this problem. To replace the rod, first remove the hex nut on the front adjustment rod. You may or may not have to remove the mower deck to do this, so consult your model's instruction manual for more specific instructions. With the mower deck off, simply remove the bent rod, and replace it with a new one. Rods are typically simple to replace as they are usually held in with pins and washers.