Have you ever had an issue where that deck part didn't stay closed, even when that lever is in place, it would vibrate open? Not sure if it's a bad spring but, mine will not stay shut, I had to bolt it shut to mulch.
The only issue I ever have is when there debris around the hing, (it’s located under the deck, where the flap swivels)) it won’t close all the way, so I have to clean it out, it blocks it from closing all the way, sometimes the grass is dry and it makes it hard to clean it, so I use flat head screw driver, once it clean out I don’t have any issues,
Could you provide a link to where you bought the strip kit? My husband has the exact same mower and I want to get him the correct one for Christmas! Thanks
If it’s a 42 inch deck it’s bm24794 If it’s a 48 inch deck it’s buc10705 Get it from a dealer, it will usually be cheaper I got mine for $150 but Home Depot sells them for $350 so shop around
