Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Sears Riding Mower, craftsman riding lawn mower, sears craftsman

Question
Hello, I have a Sears Craftsman riding lawn mower Model #917.270850 42" cut that has the deck lever jammed so hard that I can't lower it. Can you please help me out. Thank you very much

Answer
Lift assembly drawing:

http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/getSubComp.pd?modelNumber=917270850&...

Is the trunnion, part number 30, binding?  You need to check each of the pivoting points to see if one or more of them are wore causing something to bind.

Let me know if you find any wore parts.
Eric