Mower deck won't lower

[pridurak]

New member here with a used John Deere LT180. My mower deck lowers by a lever to start cutting the grass.

I was using my mower and everything was fine. But now even when I engage the lever the deck won't go down. Also a rubber belt sticks out from underneath the deck. I can't tell if it simply came off the track or something broke. Suggestions before I call someone to repair it?

 

[Knight9]

Maybe take a picture or two and post it so folks can see what you are describing.​

 

[John_in_TN]

The LT180 deck does NOT raise/lower with a lever: the lift is controled by a foot peddle with the operator's left foot. It can be locked in the "Raised" position with a green plastic handle, located just below the Choke. If the deck is locked in the "raised" position: depress the left foot peddle, push down on the green handle then slowly release the foot peddle to lower the deck.

The yellow lever on the right, just below the steering wheel just engages/releases the blade clutch.

If a belt is litterally sticking out, then that must be addressed before engaging the blades. A photo might help???