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I can't adjust the height on my old sears 42 lawn tractor deck; it's at its highest setting, but still cuts low and scalps when turning on a grade. I made the adjustments as per instructed. The blades are the same height from the floor. What am I missing or is a part missing, or what? Thanks.

Post model number from under seat.

FAL said:

I can't adjust the height on my old sears 42 lawn tractor deck; it's at its highest setting, but still cuts low and scalps when turning on a grade. I made the adjustments as per instructed. The blades are the same height from the floor. What am I missing or is a part missing, or what? Thanks.

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How many inches are the blade cutting edges from the floor at the highest setting.

Model # 917.271071
The blades are, 2 1/4 on right, 2 3/4 on left.
My neighbor borrowed it a year ago and he hit something and he bent the blade. No idea what damage he did? I had to change one of the mandrels because of this.

Sounds like your deck might be out of shape. New mandrels but the bolt positions are not correct.

Not sure what you mean? The bolts are the same as the old. Why doesn't the deck lift higher? If it shows 5 1/2 ", the cut stays the same...too low. And why would it scalp on a grade on turns? Thanks for your help. frank

CRAFTSMAN LAWN TRACTOR Parts | Model 917271071 | Sears PartsDirect take a look at deck lift parts illustration & see if parts are missing.

Thanks Mark, I did that. Something, outside of my technical skills, is missing. I'll check it again...and again. f

This may sound strange but have you checked the tire pressures. Low tires can cause the low mowing, and the scalping on turns.

Not strange at all, but not the issue; the deck doesn't go up the way it used too?? Thanks, frank

There are several things that can cause your problem. Bent front axle, or worn axle bushings, Bent deck suspension arms, or deck hangars , Bent frame, sprung deck housing. May be one thing or a combination of several things.

Sorry, I just found this in my spam file. I'll check these out. I did find one major issue; one blade was installed upside down. That was the one my neighbor screwed up. Still it was my fault for not noticing. Still, the deck, in it's highest position, shows almost 5" on the inch gauge. But it doesn't cut that: it's about a 2 1/2 " cut. Anyway, can this be narrowed down? Thanks for your help. frank (the diy faux mechanic).