5 Reasons John Deere Mower Deck Stuck In Up Position [Fixes!]

John Deere has been making highly functional and reliable agricultural appliances for a long time. One of their amazing creations is the mowers – super useful, beginner-friendly, and manageable. 

However, it is almost impossible to enjoy the wonderful features and benefits of a machine like a mower without occasionally running into issues. 

The common causes behind John Deere Mower Deck Stuck In Up Position includes:

1. Faulty deck lift cable
2. Damaged deck height adjuster 
3. Faulty lift/release pedal
4. Jammed mower deck

Depending on the severity of the issue, you may have to clean, repair, or replace one or more parts. Continue reading to explore more!

How Does A John Deree Mower Deck Work?

John Deere has different mowers designed to serve different purposes. Whether you need it for personal, business, or commercial use – they have one for everything!

Before anything else, let’s discuss the purpose of the John Deree mower deck first. This deck is an essential part of the mower. It is the safehouse for the mower blades. 

The JD mower deck shelters the blades and protects them from things that can compromise their performance. Also, the height of your deck determines the height at which you want to cut the grass. 

So as you can see, a perfectly constructed and carefully adjusted mower deck is crucial for a smooth mowing experience. 

Don’t know how to operate or start a john deere lawn mower? check out this video.

8 Common Reasons John Deere Mower Deck Stuck In Up Position

You can get a stuck deck (in an up position) in your JD mower for several reasons. Before diving deep into the troubleshooting process, find the common reasons below –

1. Faulty deck lift cable
2. Damaged deck height adjuster
3. Faulty hydraulic system
4. Jammed mower deck
5. Dull mower blades
6. Faulty lift/release pedal
7. Rust or corrosion on the deck
8. The latch is not engaging 

Read also: 3 most common Reasons Lawn Mower Runs For 5 Minutes Then Dies

john deere mower deck troubleshooting – Stuck In Up Position

You’d want nothing to mess with your lawn mowing schedule, right? Then you should fix a stuck mower deck fast. 

If you own any of the JD X-series mowers, chances are you will get a stuck deck someday as they are more prone to this issue. Now let’s get to work and free that stuck mower deck!

Problem 1: Faulty Deck Lift Cable

As you can already tell from the name, this cable is an important part of the system. It acts as the bridge between the engine and the deck. Any issue with it can affect the deck’s movement. 

Read: 6 Reasons Mower Deck Digging Into Ground [ Fixes!]

How To Fix?

You can follow the steps below to detect and fix a faulty lift cable on your mower.

• Step 1: Take off the seat and seat bolts to reach the lift cable. 
• Step 2: Carefully examine the cable for any signs of tear or damage. 
• Step 3: Replace the cable if you find it in a bad condition. It can cost you around $50-$70 depending on the model of the mower. 

Problem 2: Damaged Deck Height Adjuster

The next problem stems from a damaged deck height adjuster. The adjuster helps to set the deck at your preferred position. 

If it gets damaged or wears off with time, it can cause the deck to get stuck in either the up or down position. 

Many E120, X720, X738, and X485 JD mower users complained about stuck deck caused by faulty deck height adjustment lever. 

How To Fix?

Let’s fix that problematic deck height adjuster with these simple steps.

• Step 1: Check if the height adjustment lever is in the right position. If not, reset it and try lifting the deck.
• Step 2: If that doesn’t help, remove the seat pan and floor plan to get to the deck height adjuster. 
• Step 3: Examine well. Replace the part if you feel it’s unavoidable. It can cost around $60-$70.

Problem 3: Faulty Lift/Release Pedal

All the components should play their part well for your mower to work in full health. One such component that can freeze your deck in its position is a faulty lift/release pedal.

When you put too much pressure on the pedal unwillingly, it can cause it to bend. Also, over time, some parts of the pedal can get rusty and fail to function properly. 

How To Fix?

Rusty Lift/Release Pedal: Follow the steps below to remove the rust and get the pedal functioning again. 

• Step 1: Find the rusty part and use a rust penetrant to clear them away.
• Step 2: Wait for the needed time. If you still can’t move the pedal, apply some more of that penetrant and try again.

Bent Lift/Release Pedal: The following steps can help you fix a bent pedal. 

• Step 1: Tap on the joints of the pedal to detach them. You have to be gentle while doing it.
• Step 2: Use an adjustable wrench to fix the warped area. 

Problem 4: Jammed Mower Deck

You are brainstorming ideas to free your deck. It turns out there’s actually nothing wrong with the system except for a jammed deck. This will make you feel a bit relieved, right? 

Well, it is more common than you think. If you leave your mower unattended for a long time, the deck can get rusty and refuse to budge. 

The same thing can happen if you don’t keep your deck clean. This way, unnecessary things can pile up and block your deck’s regular movements. 

How To Fix?

Check out the following steps to free a jammed mower deck. 

• Step 1: Clear the area – Inspect and clear the area around the deck. While checking, look for any damaged or loose components too.
• Step 2: Add some weight –  Use weight to create pressure and drop the deck from its stuck position. 
• Step 3: Clear the blockage – Use a proper tool to clear away the area that has been causing the blockage. 
• Step 4: Replace your deck – Consider replacing the deck if it is too old and worn out.

Problem 5: Faulty Hydraulic System

Your John Deere mower deck depends on the pressure the hydraulic system creates. It controls the function of the deck moving. 

If you have been using the mower for a long time, the system can start to break down. Unexpected damage to the system can also halt the deck’s moving mechanism. 

How To Fix?

The following steps can help you detect the problem with your JD mower’s hydraulic system. 

• Step 1: Inspect the system for oil leakage and repair. Look over the oil and fluid levels. Fill them up if needed. 
• Step 2: Check the pump, motor, clutches, and other components of the system for signs of damage or wear. Fix or replace the parts as needed. 

Read also: Lawn Mower Revs Up And Down Then Dies?

Expert Tips To Prevent A John Deree Mower Deck From Getting Stuck In Up Position

We discussed the common causes and quick guides to solve them. While using your JD mower, you can come across many other issues. So, it is very important that you maintain the machine to use it for a long time. Check out these simple tips –

• Check and replace the spark plug. 
• Keep the air, oil, and fuel filters in check and replace them. 
• Practice checking the oil level before you opt for mowing.
• Consider using a fuel stabilizer to stop the fuel from degrading quickly. 
• Keep the mower blades clean and sharp. 
• Check the tires regularly for leaks and cracks, and repair/replace them as needed.
• keep the tire pressure in check. 

people also ask – FAQs

Are you curious whether other JD mower users face similar issues with their deck or not? Let’s find that out from these frequently asked questions by users around the world.