Countax X16 cleaning front deck?

You can download instructions re the Westwood version which is the same. But it seems that they are being a bit optimistic about the ease with which you can do this. Its bad enough getting it out, but a nightmare getting it back! What is not obvious is that there is a tongue right at the back of the deck that locates into a slot under the mower, and its very hard to alighn things so that it slides back in. Takes 2 people, one each side to lift and push, and ideally another to guide them! It may be that the tongue of yours is jammed in the slot: the front deck arrangement has the drawback that it is vulnerable to getting bashed and bent.
I have just bought one of these mowers secondhand, and the deck is wrecked from never having been cleaned out. I plan to drive the mower up onto a pair of car ramps to make the deck accessable instead of raising the deck. The similar Husquavana is the same. Contax have discontnued these mowers: such a pity because they seem such a good answer. BUT try phoning Countax in Oxford, they are very helpful, and there may be some trick of the trade that will sort it.
Hope this helps.

Patrick T
June 2012