independent deck lift kit for a 2305

[castiman]

I just had this kit installed by my dealer.Just touch the joy stick and the mower slams up and down he says you really have to feather it because the cylinder that deer uses is to big for this tractor. Also the deck slowly lowers because he says there is still air in the line and it will work itself out with more use. I think this is all bull. Any one have this kit, and have any problems.

 

[jdbower]

The Deere hydraulic lift kits are just that, lift kits rather than "lift and hold" kits. They tend to bleed down and, yes, they also can be a bit quick to react (although that's typically caused by a cylinder that's too small rather than too big). You dealer was only partly clueless - your issues are "works-as-designed" but his reasoning was a bit off.

I think there is a locking kit for most of the models that will keep the deck at the highest level (but you need to get off the tractor and slide a metal sleeve around on the lift arms - I just use a tie wrap on the off season), and there should be a dial you can turn to prevent the deck from dropping below the cutting height. Once I got used to how it works it was easy to adapt my behavior to the function of the kit. If it really bothers you a fun project may be to install a cylinder with a check valve to prevent drooping and/or installing a flow restricter to reduce the speed.

 

[jsb2b]

If you keep the engine rpm 1500 or less, the deck won't slam up or down. Yes it is touchy. I raise the deck, adjust the cutting height dial to where I want it, then push the joystick to the "float" position. I also marked the height adjustment decal where I set the dial for different mowing heights. That way, when i ride around without mowing, I can put it in the "transport" position to keep the deck fully raised and then go to the desired cutting height without having to measure the blade tip to ground distance every time.