T3000, Mower deck height and maybe a safety stop?

I cut not only lawn, but field surfaces and need to have my mower deck adjusted high. I've noticed on the bottom of the tractor frame a 6 inch long piece of metal bolted to the frame that extends down ward just above the mower deck, which, I think acts as a deck stop so the deck can not go any higher. The manual does not show this piece of metal. Can anybody tell me if I'm correct or is it just some piece of metal used in shipping that no longer provides any function?



I want to raise my mower deck as high as it will go safely, but this plate is now in the way.





Thanks