Hustler Raptor 48” flip up issue

[s@ts1946]

I have done many searches and cannot find much help on my issue.

First off the pin to flip up the deck on the raptor is now always so tight you know to knock it in and out with a hammer.

Once the pin comes out and you release the locking handle the deck will flip up with no problem.

The problem happens when I bring the deck back down level. If you look at the first picture you can see the deck didn’t go all the way back up level. You cannot lock the handle down when it’s like this.

The second picture is what it should look like. I have to jack up the rear of the deck so I can lock the deck.

I’ve looked everywhere. I’ve cleaned up the whole deck just in case something was covered I didn’t see. Nothing looks bent, none of the bolts or adjustments look like they have moved.

I’m stumped. The manuals don’t talk about this so it’s odd I’m having a problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Scott