Leave the deck in the raised position.
Doing so keeps tension off the drive belt.

---Mike

UP. This will also reduce the tension on any "lift assist" springs your deck might have, preventing them from weakening from being extended in the down position. The raised deck also allows for ventilation to the underside of deck to reduce rusting from condensation of water vapor from a soil or concrete surface that the tractor might be stored on.

I usually keep my deck in whatever position it is comfortable in.

I take mine off, but I am funny that way.

Posted by mownie (My Page) on Mon, Dec 8, 08 at 12:24
"UP. This will also reduce the tension on any "lift assist" springs your deck might have, preventing them from weakening from being extended in the down position. The raised deck also allows for ventilation to the underside of deck to reduce rusting from condensation of water vapor from a soil or concrete surface that the tractor might be stored on."

I agree

Does this apply to a hydro lift as well? I lower it until it hits the stop (JD GX345).

With my LT 160, I lower the deck to blocks; allows ventilation but reduces tension on lift mechanism.

I doubt it really matters.

Safety concerns says down or in a relaxed position on blocks. Same for all types of equipment.

On the Craftsman I leave it up. Dont really know why. Its a habit my dad taught me on my Grandmas John Deere 165(The one made in 1986).

I agree with the logic of Mownie's thoughts.

However, I keep mine down for the reasons Steve2ski says. I was taught to always lower implements before leaving the tractor for safety reasons.

Previous posts exhibit good logic, however, I doubt that it really matters.

I take mine off and install my snow blade. Problem solved.

-Deerslayer

We can tell it is winter, when we are discussing this............

Sorry.....

BTW, I have come back............

Hi, Old gang.....

This used to be a rocking site. A thread started, with no
replies, would be on page 2 in a few hours.

Spike was cruel, but he kept a good site, then he /they sold out. If the owners have any sense at all, they will
try to regain that atmosphere that they had.

For better or worse, I am back...............................................................................................................

Fish