Mowing Kubota BX2200 mower deck hanging low

[screbeck]

Hi Everyone, first time poster here.

So, I just moved from Arizona where there's nothing but dirt, rock, and cactus to Missouri where I now have several acres of green stuff on the ground that I've been told is called grass. It's been a bit of a learning curve, but I think I'm making progress.

Anyway, I bought a Kubota BX2200 with a 60" deck (RCK60B-22BX). Got it fixed up and did a tune up, replaced a few things on the deck and its running/ operating great. But there seems to be one problem that's got me stumped. The mower deck blade height is only about 2" on the highest setting. The height adjustment knob "works" in that it does raise or lower the deck incrementally, but I'd like to be able to cut higher than 2". I inspected the height adjust mechanism and all the linkages, nothing appears to be damaged. Tire pressure is correct.

The rear deck hangers could be adjusted up about another 1/2", but I don't feel like that's the problem/solution. I've been searching online for days but can't come up with anything. Anyone else have this problem or have any suggestions?

Much appreciated!

 

[Henro]

I look forward to hearing some replies to your question.

I have had the same tractor/mower as you for 16 years. Recently I have begun to think the mower deck may be lower for a given setting of the height position knob than it used to be. I was thinking the adjustment of whatever linkage the knob shaft is connected to may have changed. Did not get around to checking it yet.

What puzzles me is the Top position seems like it is correct. If so, seems like the other positions should be as well.

I usually cut in position 4, the highest normal cutting position.

If I get to checking it and come to any conclusions I will post them here. Please do the same...

 

[skipperbrown]

It's very possible your mowing deck was never set up properly. Once adjusted, it should be set for life pending operator error (hitting something) and wear on tires. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. This can add about an inch to your cutting height as the deck suspends from the tractor chassis. If that fails to get the height you need you need to get a manual. Here are the directions while you wait for your manual:

To adjust the deck, park on a firm, level surface.

First, adjust the parallel linkage (in the front of the deck). Turn the cutting height to 2". Set anti-scalp wheels to 1/2" clearance from ground. Set cutting blade parallel to direction of travel. Adjust the front links until the front and back of blades are parallel to the ground within 3/16". This will require trial and error and a few good curse words help. Make sure you get the nuts good and snug when you are happy with your adjustments.

Next, adjust the mower links. Move hydraulic lever rearward to raise the deck to the highest position. Adjust the right side links with double nuts (on the back of the tractor by the right wheel is a rod with double nuts). Adjust this so you have 1/16" clearance on the up stopper on the deck (the upside down L shaped metal tab on the back of the deck that stops upward movement). Set desired cutting height with control dial. Set antiscalp wheel height with 1/2" clearance from ground. Lower deck with hydraulic lever. Turn left cutting blade perpendicular to direction of travel. Measure blade tip height. Repeat operation with right side blade. The difference should be within 1/8". If blade is not within 1/8", remove snap ring and clevis pin on lift rod (where back of deck attaches to deck-these should be sitting close to the middle of the threaded shaft) and adjust up or down as required to get the blades level.

There. A piece of cake. If this doesn't get you fixed up, you liking have something bent somewhere.

 

[screbeck]

What puzzles me is the Top position seems like it is correct. If so, seems like the other positions should be as well.

My Top position also seems correct. Last night I decided to start taking things apart to see if I can find anything. After taking out the rear lift shaft, I had the thought that the bracket welded to the shaft is maybe worn down in the spot that contacts the rotating height adjustment stopper. Especially after reading your post, which I think would agree with this (if it's the issue) since the "Top" position uses top edge of the bracket, not the lower finger that sticks out that all other positions use (as shown in my picture).



I've tried finding a picture of this part (K2561-44250) to see if it is worn but haven't found a good comparison yet.

 

[diesel85]

Mine does the same thing. In fact, when I use the adjustment stopper, it actually moves around and it the deck drops another 1/2" when the deck puts pressure on it.

I've replaced mine twice and I've just lived with it. I do mow rough (bumpy) ground, so I think it gets worn early from the deck jumping up and down.

What I do is if I need a higher cut, I just use the 3pt lift and get it to the height I want, then I lock the 3pt valve so it doesn't leak down.

Personally, throughout my experience with a MMM on a tractor, it's been a wash... Next machine will have a regular 3pt rear mower.

 

[redharley]

Does your height control knob just keep turning when you adjust. Maybe somewhere in its past someone has turned it way more than needed. Dropping deck? Just a thought.

 

[RaydaKub]

Does your height control knob just keep turning when you adjust. Maybe somewhere in its past someone has turned it way more than needed. Dropping deck? Just a thought.

Not sure where you are headed with that question. My BX2230 control can spin all the way around. It actually can go in both directions all the way around, assuming the mower is raised all the way. There is a small spring lever that sort of keeps it from free-wheeling, but doesn't prevent movement in either direction. I don't have a pic handy of the 2230, this is from a B2620, but it does look similar.
https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums...0055569-mmm-cutting-height-adjustment-017-jpg