Is the rear deck tab installed in the "slot"? Beyond that, review the decal for deck removal and make sure that belt, spring etc had been reinstalled.

The mower deck is in front of the machine. I think you bring up a good thought here, I'll pull the mower deck out again and see if something has neen disconnected or needs to be connected. This is a 4x4 model. Thanks for your help. dave

I'm familiar w/ the machine. The easiest thing to miss when reinstalling the deck is that tab positioning, which is located at the center rear of the deck- to put it a better way.