Older 917.255521 deck too low

[Geoff813]

I think this is the third deck but its been OK for several years. I rescued the original tractor and deck from the town "dump" maybe 25 years ago and after bypassing several "safety" switches its been fine except for the engine turning into a real smoker. The replacement OHV 15 HP has been in for almost 20 years.

Lately the highest position is too low in the front. Ive equalized left to right and also the rear L and R suspension arms which affect the rear height only. To be honest Ive hit a few things such as very low small stumps on paths thru the woods while hauling branches and stuff to the pile way out back but even with the deck removed I cant see any obvious damage to the deck or tractor

Ive drilled new holes in the front parallel link to raise the front but its still too low and the belt slips in thick tall grass, the belt is only a month old and from Sears.
The spindles are originals and lubricated often and are free turning, blades are not bent and are sharp.

Before I remove both front lift brackets and mount higher I figured Id plead my case here! They just opened a Tractor Supply in town so maybe I should think about adding some front wheels to the deck?

Geoff

 

[mechanic mark]

Very good post Geoff, fabricate an L bracket so you can attach to front of deck with two bolts & self locking nuts then attach L part of bracket to underside of chassis with two bolts & nuts so deck can be raised at front, let us know how it works out, thanks.

 

[mechanic mark]

Check idler pulleys on deck for bearings being worn out. Bypassing safety switches is not advised, result will be electrical problems in the future. Always use OEM parts when available for best fit & results, no guesswork involved.