a lift linkage connecting the mower deck to the frame;

a first pedal pivotally coupled to the lift linkage so as to raise the mower deck relative to the frame upon actuation of the first pedal by an operator's foot; and

a second pedal pivotally coupled to the first pedal so as to latch the mower deck into a transport position when said first pedal is actuated a preset amount, and to unlatch the mower deck upon actuation of the second pedal by the operator's foot;

wherein said frame comprises a catch and said second pedal comprises a pawl for latching the mower deck into the transport position;

wherein the lift linkage comprises: front and rear lift shafts rotatably coupled to the frame, each shaft having a right and left end wherein the right end of the front lift shaft is coupled to the first pedal;

a set of three pivot brackets, each bracket being coupled to the other ends of the lift shafts, respectively;

a set of four riser plates, one of the plates being coupled between the mower deck and the first pedal, and the other plates being coupled between the mower deck and a respective pivot bracket;

right and left lift rods oriented perpendicular to the front and rear lift shafts, the right lift rod being connected between the first pedal and the right rear pivot bracket, and the left lift rod being connected between the left front and left rear pivot brackets;

whereby, upon actuation of the first pedal by the operator's foot, the lift linkage translates pivoting movement of the first pedal to effect vertical movement of the associated mower deck;

whereby, upon depression of the first pedal to a preset position, gravitational force acting on the second pedal causes the pawl to engage the catch, thereby latching the mower deck in the transport position; and

whereby, upon depression of the second pedal by the operator's foot, the pawl is released from the catch, thereby releasing the mower deck from the transport position.