mower deck removal

[John Rizzardi 70]

Hello all, i purchased a 1986 414-8 at an auction a few months ago, now getting ready for spring, i cannot figure out how to get mower deck off (also to change oil) eckto remove and sharpen blades, i’ve seen newer model WH with a very simple deck removal process, removing deck also seems to require removal of drive belt from PTO, belt seems like no problem to remove( am i correct?) but at a loss to find how to remove deck, any comments or suggestions from members will be tried and certainly appreciated.

      Thank You to anyone who reads my post, Merry Christmas to all🤗 

[953 nut 55,124]

Here is a post showing all the steps to remove a mower deck.

 

[Ed Kennell 38,049]

The link posted above is a good guide to use for removing your deck.

 

I'll just add a few tips. 

  If the deck is going back on, there is no need to remove the mule drive or belt from the PTO. 

 Just loosen the tension on the belt and remove it from the deck pulley and pull it to the front so it doesn't catch on the deck when you slide it out.

After disengaging the deck from the tractor as detailed in the above link, it must be pulled out from the right side (looking forward) of the tractor.

It will slide best in a hard surface and by turning the wheels to the left first, there is more room to clear the deck wheels with the tractor wheels.

When you slide it out about 6 inches, the lift bar may hang up on the left deck support arm and you may need to reach under and raise the  lift  arm up over the deck support.

To remove the blades, I turn the deck up side down and use a block of wood to wedge the blade to the deck. Then loosen the bottom nut with a proper size socket and breaker bar with a pipe extension for leverage if needed.    Much safer to use a long lever and small force to create enough loosening torque.

 

The engine oil drain is a 1/2" capped pipe nipple that is located at the bottom rear left side of the engine.

I like to warm the old oil by running the engine for 10 minutes, then raise the front end with a jack or by pulling it up on blocks .

Remove the pipe cap and drain the oil in a pan.   

Replace the cap, lower the front end and fill the engine with the proper oil that is recommended in the manual for your engine  and your operating temperature.

 

Edited December 15, 2022 by Ed Kennell