There are at least 3 different Empress 16 models, but they all have a single height adjustment knob that simply turns one way to raise, and the other way to lower.
Unfortunately, it's a weak point, and fails regularly - especially on the plastic bodied versions - the thread in the chassis strips out, and the mower's 'suspension' collapses so it 'scalps' the lawn.
If yours is riding high, the chances are it's simply rusted up. The centre of the knob can be removed (with difficulty), revealing a small nut on top of a shaft. The knob is suppossed to rotate about this shaft - if it's rusted to it and won't turn, there's the problem. Soak in WD40 for 12 hours.
phil_saunders(a)bigfoot.com
Phil Saunders, March 2010
