Lever is stuck in up position. Attachment clutch lever is in correct position. Any idea what is keeping it from releasing to lower deck?

Hi,
Two things come to mind; the lift lever is bent and preventing the rod actuated by the push button from releasing or someone has cranked the lift stop adjustment knob clockwise to the uppermost setting(bottom left below dash) causing the same situation.
Your owners manual can be found here:
http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/lis_pdf/OWNM/98080222.pdf
And contains directions and the parts breakdown.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks, It was the lift stop adjustment knob. Previous owner had it cranked all the way up. I realized it this morning. As soon as I tightened the knob properly and lowered the height adjustment it release easily.

Thanks for the response. You were right on!

Scott

Hi Clarke,
You really seam to know your stuff well... Didn't quite understand what was the cause but I have the same issue.

Hi,
Please explain more. Many Craftsman mowers have a knob at the lower left of the dash that serves as a stop for the deck lowering and if turned fully clockwide, it prevents the deck from dropping much.
Peace,
Clarke