One of the tiring Grasshopper mower problems is the mower deck not getting engaged. As the deck is a key component for the mower, its disengaged state hampers many jobs.

But, why won’t a Grasshopper mower deck engage?

It is because of the irregular power flow, wrong adjustment of deck, defective pulley bearings, spindles out of grease, and damaged metal linkage.

Luckily, the article you reached is replete with the details of a Grasshopper mower deck won’t engage.

So, let’s get started without further ado.

Quick Overview: Grasshopper Mower Deck Won’t Engage?

While inspecting the Grasshopper mower deck, a summarized idea of why a Grasshopper mower deck won’t engage is required.

Here it is in the following chart along with the smart fixes.

Serial	Reasons	Fixes
1	Irregular power flow	Charge the battery or replace it quickly
2	Wrong adjustment of deck	Readjust the mower deck correctly
3	Defective pulley bearings	Adjust or replace the pulley bearings
4	Spindles out of grease	Grease the spindles once a month
5	Damaged metal linkage	Check the linkage and install a new one

Detailed Fixes: Grasshopper Mower Deck Won’t Engage?

A Grasshopper mower deck refusing to engage is not at all a pleasing incident for the mower. As the deck stays disengaged, from mowing to engaging the blades, everything gets paused.

For that reason, as I had the same situation, I have come up with the possible causes of it and the ways to drive the issues away.

So, don’t go anywhere else and dive into the discussion.

Reason 1: Irregular Power Flow

A major cause is the irregular flow of power to the mower deck.

When there is a very low charge left on the battery, the mower deck declines to get engaged. In case the battery is not charging at all, the deck remains in that disengaged state.

Solution: Charge the Battery or Replace it Quickly

To get rid of it, try charging the battery. If no charge is taken in by the battery, it is having the cells that are dead. So, replace it quickly and the deck will be engaged as soon as it gets power.

Reason 2: Wrong Adjustment of the Deck

I guess you know that the Grasshopper mower deck needs adjustment to operate.

But, its adjustment can be done in an improper way that is causing the deck to stay disengaged. Because the wrongly adjusted deck can not connect with the mower.

Solution: Readjust the Mower Deck Correctly

In this case, you have to observe the deck thoroughly. If you find its adjustment is incorrect, check out how to adjust Grasshopper mower deck to avoid mistakes.

Reason 3: Defective Pulley Bearings

The pulleys on the Grasshopper mower deck have some bearings that ensure the pulley is working well.

But, as soon as they get misadjusted, the pulleys also move ahead in the wrong direction. Rust on pulley bearings is another cause that can force the deck not to engage.

Solution: Adjust or Replace the Pulley Bearings

While inspecting the pulley bearings, take a glance at their adjustment. Readjust them if they are not set correctly. In case of rust, no other way is left than replacing them.

Reason 4: Spindles Out of Grease

The spindles are a significant part of the Grasshopper mower deck that lets the mower work.

But, when they are out of lubrication, their functioning stops at a point. And, it has become a noteworthy reason for the deck to remain disengaged.

Solution: Grease the Spindles Once a Month

The solution to this cause is checking the spindles on a regular note. And, at least for once a month, they should be greased properly.

Reason 5: Damaged Metal Linkage

It can happen that you have gone through every possible way but the root cause is lying somewhere else.

In that case, the metal linkage on the Grasshopper mower deck can have faults. Due to it, the nuts of the deck can not help it in engaging while the mower runs.

Solution: Check the Linkage and Install a New One

As the linkage is a metal one, it gets rusty so easily. For that reason, you should go ahead with replacing the linkage with a new one.

Why Won’t My Grasshopper Mower Deck Won’t Raise or Lower?

Answer: When the linkage of the Grasshopper mower deck becomes jammed or damaged, the deck won’t raise or lower. It is because the nut on that linkage is responsible for raising or lowering the deck. In course of time, it tends to get rust and gradually, it gets stuck and doesn’t move the deck. 

How Often Should You Grease a Grasshopper Mower Deck?

Answer: Greasing the Grasshopper mower deck means greasing the spindles. It is recommended to grease them at least once a month to keep them spinning continuously. It also allows the mower deck to get engaged easily.

Final Words

A Grasshopper mower deck won’t engage is undoubtedly a matter to pay extra heed to it. Because without the mower deck on duty, the mower can not perform many responsibilities.

For that reason, get ready to troubleshoot the Grasshopper mower deck as mentioned in the article.