You don't have it set in the far-forward locked position by chance.

 

No, I don't

 

something isn't quite right. with the height knob all the way adjusted to max the deck should be close to transport height and shouldn't lower toward the grass hardly at all!

 

I'd check the deck height. It's possible that it needs adjustment.

BTW - You can mow with the deck in the transport position. In fact, if you have your deck set at the highest height, it shouldn't be that much different than the transport position.

 

http://www.epinions.com/review/John_Deere_GT235_Tractor/content_181641449092

seems this person feels the same way
maybe I am expecting too much - to be fair, I haven't yet cut the new lawn - I have been working on the mower for quite awhile as I bought it used, and made a few paths in the prairie area in back to "test it out" - and the grade is a bit uneven. Maybe on a smooth lawn the cut height it will seem higher.

I did level the deck both ways per the manual when I finished up the rework. i didn't see any other settings to change. I can run it in the transport position if that is safe - thanks

SJLee - what do you mean by check the deck height? Just measure to the ground?

 

SJLee - what do you mean by check ... then set the deck on both sides to approximately 3". That's the height I mow.

 

yes measure to the ground with a tape measure. Most of us has one of these gauges, measures from ground to bottom of the blades to give you the actual cutting height. Works great and cost 3-5 dollars. Should really get one.

 

You want to check the blades tip itself height not the deck, sometimes you can have a great amount of difference.

Make sure you are making you adjustment on a hard surface.

Dick

 

I picked up the JD measuring tool and the dimension is 1" off. The dial says 3.5", but in reality the blades are at 2.5".

The only thing that worries me is that the front end lift adjust is already at the max height, as in out of threads. If I raise the rear another inch I'm afraid the front won't be able to compensate. I realize the front should be slightly lower than the rear.

 

So I adjusted the deck to read 3.5" on the dial and measured an actual cut height of 3.5" on the blade. Cool. But now the deck won't stow into transport position because it bottoms out on the steering linkage and whatnot before it locks. Help? How would they ever get the claimed 4" cutting height?

 

Check your lift arms where the J hooks attach.See if the holes are egg shaped the do get worn over time.That will cause the deck to ride lower also you mention the front arbor bolt threads are ran up and out of threads.Thats not normal to need it threaded up that far.

 

I am fighting this on a 170 and its driving me crazy! The JD Operators Manual makes it seem the height selector corresponds to inches but at 3 on the selector I am at 2.25" at blade tips with my JD level gauge. I pulled the deck off and looked up underneath the tractor but I don't see anything that looks adjustable. I tried to adjust the one lift strap but that only put the deck out of level. What am I missing?


Sent from the MTF Free App

 

There should be two lift straps (one on each side of the deck). You need to adjust both sides to ensure that the deck is level and at the right height.

 

Ensure your tires have adequate pressure in them to make sure you aren't losing height that way.

I would start by lowing all four bolts (two in front, two in rear) 10 turns or so to lower the deck a bit, and THEN start to level the deck. You are right, you can screw things up really fast with adjustments if you over-do it. I ran into the same problem, and ended up moving all four bolts about 10 turns or so and then redid the deck and all was OK.

It is a tiring and annoying process -- mine took about 3 hours, but worth it now that its done.

Hang in there! You'll get it.

Chris

 

I mow my front one acre with the deck set on 3.5 with the deck set in Transport, gives the grass a nice thick look & helps it winter over nicely as well.
As mentioned earlier, with the deck adjusted, you'd be surprised what you can get out of the cut with a little more air in the tires:fing32:

Ronnie

 

Are you saying that you have the deck height set to 3.5 and have the deck raised up (transport)? If so, then it doesn't really matter what the deck height is set as the deck height adjustment only applies when the deck is lowered.

 

Hi, I am having this same issue with a used 2001 JD GT235 (no original manuals). I have no previous experience with riding mowers. My mower deck was finally at a good height last season (I learned then about effect of tire pressure, etc). However, the secondary deck belt snapped at the beginning of my first mow this season. With assistance from old posts on this forum (thanks everybody), I replaced the deck belt. It was my first time removing the deck, and wow, it was really hard the first time with stuck j-bolts, etc.

So, now the deck is back on, belts working OK, but when deck is lowered out of transport position, it scalps the ground. The cut height adjustment knob seems ineffectual (and spuns completely around several times, in both directions, doesn't ever 'stop' but I think it has been like that?). I didn't understand how to "lock deck in forward position", as the current directions for removing deck said to do: my old JD doesn't have a lift lever (it's just a foot pedal, with locked up position and a down position), so I did all the taking mower deck off & putting back on with the deck locked in up / transport position. I didn't change the lift links (at least not intentionally). I didn't adjust the lift assist spring (it lifts fine, as far as I can tell). I haven't done any leveling of the deck yet, because the entire deck is far too low.

Did I do something wrong? Can anyone give me advice on how to check the connection of the cut height adjustment knob? Or what I need to do next? Mowing with the deck locked up in transport position (which I have done intentionally on occasion in high grass based on previous owner's directions to me) gives me a crappy cut, so I'd really like to be able to lower deck again and choose a cut height.