GR 2120 deck will not lower

[droy]

2012 GR 2120 w/48" deck
Wife pulled lawn mower out of shed, (first grass cutting since winter) & noticed that the deck is elevated even when using the hydraulic lever to put it in the lowest position. While working the hydraulic lever you can see the deck raise & lower, but at lowest position it is approx. 2-3 inches higher then its "normal" low. After the initial setting adjustment when machine was new, I have only used numbered adjustment knob maybe once or twice, & and that was more than a year ago. Linkage appears normal under the machine, and while I did not measure, moving the numbered adjustment knob does make a difference in height when adjusting it per operator manual. Wondering if something froze up during the winter preventing the deck from going to it's lowest position, but don't know if problem is in hydraulic lift or the knob adjustment; both appear to be working normal.
Has anyone experienced anything like this? Any suggestions, advice where to look for the problem would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

 

[PHILIP8N]

I have the GR2120 with 48" deck myself. I take the deck off every winter to install snow blower, then deck back on early spring. I installed deck and mowed about 2 weeks ago. No issue with deck adjustment. There is only one single acting hydraulic cylinder, and all it does is raise the deck. When you lower the deck, the weight of the deck is all that forces the cylinder to the opposite direction, allowing fluid to drain back into the transmission case. 1st thing I would do is go to page 25 in your manual and following instructions there. If that does not work, get underneath and look at your cylinder in action, is it extending and retracting with pressure and weight? Next, I would take deck off, see what you can troubleshoot from there. Good luck. Philip.

 

[Pete6114]

Try putting weight on it when lowering it and see if it'll go down as far as it should. It might just need some grease at all the friction points. As Philip said, there is no down pressure, just gravity. Check the adjustment knob again. Dont remember now for sure, but it can only be adjusted with the deck lifted.?

 

[droy]

I have the GR2120 with 48" deck myself. I take the deck off every winter to install snow blower, then deck back on early spring. I installed deck and mowed about 2 weeks ago. No issue with deck adjustment. There is only one single acting hydraulic cylinder, and all it does is raise the deck. When you lower the deck, the weight of the deck is all that forces the cylinder to the opposite direction, allowing fluid to drain back into the transmission case. 1st thing I would do is go to page 25 in your manual and following instructions there. If that does not work, get underneath and look at your cylinder in action, is it extending and retracting with pressure and weight? Next, I would take deck off, see what you can troubleshoot from there. Good luck. Philip.

Without removing the deck, everything appears normal, did stand on deck while lowering and my 230 lbs didn't change the lowered height. was reluctant to re adjust the height control knob as I don't think turning the knob caused by problem. Now that I have tried adjusting it per manual (with deck in raised position). I may have to take measurements of the high & low heights and consult with the dealer. Have to return to work shortly, so no time to remove deck today.......And the grass grows, lol
Thanks for the help!

 

[droy]

Try putting weight on it when lowering it and see if it'll go down as far as it should. It might just need some grease at all the friction points. As Philip said, there is no down pressure, just gravity. Check the adjustment knob again. Dont remember now for sure, but it can only be adjusted with the deck lifted.?

I did stand on it while lowering it-no difference, as to greasing the friction points, everything seems to be slicked up; problem is more than likely right in front of me, just not recognizing it. so many things going on now, just need to dedicate some time into removing the deck and thoroughly going over everything.
Thanks for the reply!