Mower deck stuck on my 2004 GT2523, hep me, PLEASE!

[CatchersDad]

Noob here and need some hep!

First off, great site. I've been doing a lot of research on here and elsewhere and this place has to be the best.

I just picked this thing up used two days ago and we had to remove the 54" deck to get it on the trailer and now can't get it back on because I can't raise and lower the deck handle for some reason. It was in the all the way up position when I got home and once I finally got the deck positioned under the tractor I went to lower the arms to attach the rear end of the deck and it was VERY hard to push the button in. Had to jiggle the handle up and down to get it in. Then it would only go down about 2/3rds of the way down and now it's stuck. I read the online manual before I did anything with it and there doesn't seem to be anything I've missed. Can't push the button in at all now!

Is this a common issue with these tractors or am I just an idiot? The meter says it only has 102 hrs on it and it looks it.

Note: one of the small wheel deck mounts had a cracked weld on it before the seller got it re-welded. Is it possible he hit something that would have bent or broken something in the height adjustment mechanism?

TIA, I need to get this thing mowing as my grass is now a foot tall!

 

[GBHRPS]

catchersdad,

I am not familiar with your model, but I have found with the older JD I have that using a long shovel handle levered under the side of the deck, raises it enough for me to manhandle the deck mounts to get them into place. I've even used that shovel handle and braced it up with 2 x 4's or a chunk of firewood to hold it up high enough in place to get pins and fasteners in place.

It may be possible in your case to do something similar. Good Luck!

 

[rcbe]

catchersdad - look in the cavity under the tilting seat for a decal (ID plate) - get the FULL model # and serial number. Do a google search for "MTD manual archives". Enter required info - d/l free part list, etc. to help you decipher how mechanism operates and how to fix, if needed. HTH...

 

[CatchersDad]

catchersdad,

I am not familiar with your model, but I have found with the older JD I have that using a long shovel handle levered under the side of the deck, raises it enough for me to manhandle the deck mounts to get them into place. I've even used that shovel handle and braced it up with 2 x 4's or a chunk of firewood to hold it up high enough in place to get pins and fasteners in place.

It may be possible in your case to do something similar. Good Luck!

Thanks GBHRPS, that may help me to at least get the deck attached but I've got to get the issue figured out. Not a happy camper right now!

 

[CatchersDad]

catchersdad - look in the cavity under the tilting seat for a decal (ID plate) - get the FULL model # and serial number. Do a google search for "MTD manual archives". Enter required info - d/l free part list, etc. to help you decipher how mechanism operates and how to fix, if needed. HTH...

Thanks rcbe, found the info on the right side of the frame and then found the parts manual (very helpful for future use!) but I still can't figure out where the issue lies. :banghead:

 

[rcbe]

can previous owner help? or is there a cub dealer nearby?

and mebbe this will also help: go to this webpage: "K&T Parts House Lawn Mower Parts and Chain Saw & Trimmer Parts" .... d/l the item " Cub-Cadet-2000-Series-Service-Repair-Manual.pdf " - go to Pp 111. That will put you in the section on the implement lift handle and how to service same.