Steering linkage binding

[JimSraj 429]

Can anyone offer an opinion on why the steering linkage would be binding up on the mower deck mount when it’s raised up on a 1969 GT14?  

[WheelHorse520H 708]

I am not that familiar with that machine but just shooting in the dark so to speak the first thing I think is maybe something on the deck is getting in the way to cause that binding.

On 8/5/2021 at 9:58 AM, JimSraj said:

binding up on the mower deck mount when it’s raised up on a 1969 GT14?  

What size deck? Is it raised all the way or just partially?

[953 nut 55,113]

Your drag link that runs from the fan gear to the left front wheel must be rubbing. Could you drop the mower down a link or two on the lift chain?

[JimSraj 429]

Thanks for the opinions Wheelhosre 520H and 953 nut. It’s a 48” deck and it binds when raised all the way. 

It is the bar on the left side that passes through the deck latch mechanism rubbing on the front cross member. Maybe adding a link will help but I’m already mowing lower than I’d like. I think adding a link will allow the deck to be even lower when down or floating. I’ll check it out tomorrow hopefully. 

[953 nut 55,113]

The wheels on the deck can be adjusted to change cutting height.

 

[JimSraj 429]

Yup, I have the rear wheels of the mower deck set in the highest notch and it’s still cutting lower than I’d like. 

Thanks for the manual file. I think you may have sent me one, that I printed, a few weeks ago too. I have a chain on it now but I had a lift stud turned from a 3/4” rod so it fits the GT14. I just need to drill the hole for the lift rod. That raises another question. I have 2 lift rods that are different lengths. I don’t know which length is correct for a ‘69 GT14 (1-7441) and a 5-1482 deck. It’s my understanding that the rod could hit the starter if it’s too long or not adjusted right. 

[JimSraj 429]

Well I changed from a chain to a lift rod and lift stud, that I had to fabricate, bc of the thickness of the lever on the tractor. It works much better now. So far the raising and lowering of the deck is smooth. No binding. Also, seems to have helped with the cutting height.  I’d still like to be able to mow a bit higher but looks like 3” is about max unless I don’t set it to float. 

[953 nut 55,113]

On 8/10/2021 at 9:31 AM, JimSraj said:

I have the rear wheels of the mower deck set in the highest notch and it’s still cutting lower than I’d like. 

 

9 hours ago, JimSraj said:

 I’d still like to be able to mow a bit higher

             How about some larger wheels?

[JimSraj 429]

Duh, why didn’t I think of that 

[oliver2-44 9,708]

On 8/20/2021 at 6:57 AM, 953 nut said:

 

             How about some larger wheels?

 

That will help. 
I put an inch larger wheels on my sons 312-42” deck and gained a 1/2” 

[JimSraj 429]

Yup I’m gonna try that.