I also had this problem, it would go into TOP only with the deck removed. After a lot of checking, I discovered the right side rear link was binding on stopper(see mower operator's manual page 14 fig.B), preventing the deck from raising all the way up. My solution was maybe a little drastic on a new tractor but it worked. I got out my grinder and shortened the sleeve on the inside of the rear link to gain clearance. I also shortened up the "stop" on the top of the stopper because it was hitting the main part of the rear link. While I was under there I also shortened up a couple of mounting bolts from the operators platform that were interfering with the rear links. I hope this helps. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif