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Just my opinion, but the deck in the picture shows a twisted deck.

Hi Chuckers,

A twist in a deck can be subtle.

Check the engine mount hole areas for cracking. The engine mounted firmly to the deck if the main stabilizing and strengthening component.

If the holes are cracking, this will induce metal fatigue and twist. The torque and vibration from the engine will consistently make it worse.

If that is the case... it's time for a new mower.

Throw a 4x4 or floor jack under the low side. Stand on the high wheel side. Bend it back. Those cheap mowers use very thin sheet metal.

Make sure you are on level surface.

As mentioned, check the engine mounting bolts.

That is actually an older Recycler. Not as cheap as they are today. I can tell by the Quantum Engine on it. It is at lease 11 years old. If the deck has cracks in it. you have a few options. Bend it back to the original shape as best you can. You can weld the cracks if you know someone who can do it for you inexpensively...... Or you can drill out the crack ends with ~ an 1/8 diameter drill. It will keep the crack from propagating. You can get some curved washers that AYP use to use on their engine bolts and see how it goes. You can also make your own. I have also used mending plates with nuts and bolts where a crack is long, to reinforce the area. As long as you are not being abusive I would bet it will last a long time and no need to trash it. We sometimes have too much of a throw away mentality now and react like that too quickly with out understanding what else can be reasonably done. That is a good mower with one of the best walk behind eninges used on a residential mower. It would be a shame to trash it with out 1st trying to resolve it. Good Luck.