kpinnc 11,941 #1 Posted March 13, 2023 (edited) Several years ago, I swapped out some well-rotted aluminum spindles for the J-type double D cast iron spindles on my 42SD. Then I got a larger deck so I put it up in the barn where it sat for years. Somehow, two spindles got water in them. I still don't know how. The spindles turned smooth by hand, but roared at full speed. Upon dissasembly, I found the culprit. There were small lines cut into the shafts where the needle bearings made contact and rusted. So I dug out some more spindles off an old pre "attach-a-matic" deck and took the shafts from them. Then I spent the day degreasing, reassembling, and regreasing the spindles. Now they spin smooth as silk again. Tomorrow will be deck cleaning, but mechanically she is solid and ready to work! Trying some larger guage wheels too. If it works, it'll mow at 3.75 inches. We will see tomorrow... Edited March 13, 2023 by kpinnc 5 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,814 #2 Posted March 13, 2023 Sure is windy up here today! Oh that’s @kpinnc mowing the lawn! Wwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,660 #3 Posted March 13, 2023 i've been having underneath professionally sand blasted -- and then multiple prime coats plus final paint coat -- really gets that long term pitted corrosion cleaned off some of the decks i have gotten from prior owners neglect - especially if they were left sitting with grass still attached and rotting Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,941 #5 Posted March 13, 2023 I've used POR-15, and it's great. But I have to admit, just some red oxide primer works well for an entire season. Not as slickery as the black shiny, but it keeps the rust back. My FIL just coats his with light oil, and I've been shocked how well it works. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brockport Bill 1,660 #6 Posted March 14, 2023 11 hours ago, kpinnc said: I've used POR-15, and it's great. But I have to admit, just some red oxide primer works well for an entire season. Not as slickery as the black shiny, but it keeps the rust back. My FIL just coats his with light oil, and I've been shocked how well it works. on a future deck i plan to try one of those options -- thanks for fyi Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,590 #7 Posted March 14, 2023 @kpinnc your FIL ,S oil coating , along with some underside hot sun time , is the dry out break any deck needs . stop the rot / moisture cycle . done that for years . zero rot , regularly wipe / spray down my horses . with penetrating oils , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,941 #8 Posted March 14, 2023 1 hour ago, peter lena said: @kpinnc your FIL ,S oil coating , along with some underside hot sun time , is the dry out break any deck needs . stop the rot / moisture cycle . done that for years . zero rot , regularly wipe / spray down my horses . with penetrating oils , pete Having seen how his deck sheds clippings, I am a believer sir! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,941 #9 Posted March 15, 2023 Well I mowed with it today, and the larger wheels do let me cut at 3+ inches, which is great. But I still have some bearing noise from one spindle. Gonna need some new bearings to smooth it out. Way better than it was, but it still grumbles a little... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,714 #10 Posted March 15, 2023 @kpinnc What size larger gauge wheels did you put on it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 11,941 #11 Posted March 15, 2023 1 hour ago, oliver2-44 said: @kpinnc What size larger gauge wheels did you put on it? They're 8 inch. I had to adjust the deck to level it, and it cuts best in the 3rd detent, but it works. The top detent is fine, but WH decks don't create enough vacuum to cut much over 3.5 inches. Might work better on higher settings when the soft spring grass dries a bit. We'll see in June! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,652 #12 Posted March 17, 2023 On 3/13/2023 at 12:12 AM, kpinnc said: Several years ago, I swapped out some well-rotted aluminum spindles for the J-type double D cast iron spindles on my 42SD. Then I got a larger deck so I put it up in the barn where it sat for years. Somehow, two spindles got water in them. I still don't know how. The spindles turned smooth by hand, but roared at full speed. Upon dissasembly, I found the culprit. There were small lines cut into the shafts where the needle bearings made contact and rusted. So I dug out some more spindles off an old pre "attach-a-matic" deck and took the shafts from them. Then I spent the day degreasing, reassembling, and regreasing the spindles. Now they spin smooth as silk again. Tomorrow will be deck cleaning, but mechanically she is solid and ready to work! Trying some larger guage wheels too. If it works, it'll mow at 3.75 inches. We will see tomorrow... I have some of those old double d spindles complete with everything but pulleys. If you need one let me know. I pulled them off and replaced with the 3/4" keyed when they offered a upgrade some time in the 80's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
