Repairs Deck will no raise

[miks1]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and it looks like there is a lot of good information here.
I have a Kubota ZD18 with a 54" deck. I am having an issue with my deck not raising, it was working fine at the end of the last mowing season. I checked for anything that may be binding the mechanism and found everything in order. I change the transmission fluid and filter and check/cleaned the strainer with no luck with getting the deck to raise more than a quarter inch. Since the mower itself and the deck raise system share the same hydraulics , I tried to engage the mower and it does engage and the blades turn. I am stumped as to what the problem is. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for any help.
- Mike

 

[bertsmobile1]

Most likely air trapped in the lift ram.
Crack the return side tube and try lifting a a dozen or more times.
If you get a strong flow from the return line & the lift ram does nt want to play then it is most likely new seals time.

 

[miks1]

Most likely air trapped in the lift ram.
Crack the return side tube and try lifting a a dozen or more times.
If you get a strong flow from the return line & the lift ram does nt want to play then it is most likely new seals time.

Thank you bertsmobile1, I will give that a go.
Cheers,
-Mike