Esperance 1 #1 Posted May 30 Help! I purchased a 1972 800 Special with a rear discharge 36" mower deck that was not properly installed. The mower worked but would no height adjust (jammed in at a high cutting height). I removed the deck and properly aligned the front support hardware but I now I can't seem to find the correct position for the lift rod. The unit when in the full up position fits loosely and has a 1" difference in suspended height. Can anyone help? FS 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,322 #2 Posted May 30 (edited) Welcome!! Pictures of the issue would be a great help. Download both manuals - the tractor and the 36" deck to make sure you have the correct parts. Curved front gear driven deck??? Edited May 30 by ri702bill 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,229 #3 Posted May 30 Here is an exploded view of the lift system. There are several attachment points on the rock-shaft. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,232 #4 Posted May 30 Pictures would help confirm the deck you are running and its frame connection to the tractor. When you mention lift rod, are you referring to a solid rod connecting from an arm of the rock shaft down to the lift arm #27 above? I’m wondering if your deck has two blades or three? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,045 #5 Posted May 31 More files on the model https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/search/?&q="800 special"&type=downloads_file&search_and_or=or&sortby=relevancy 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Esperance 1 #6 Posted June 6 Thanks guys... Sorry for not replying sooner. This is a 3 bladed mower. I don't know if my deck is so old (or wrong!) the manuals don't apply. As you can see, the lift rod is a totally different configuration. Do I have a totally wrong mower in this tractor? Another problem is the Latch and shaft assembly lever opens up and the mower drops off the tractor if you look at it sideways. I had to secure the shaft with a couple of steel worm clamps so it would operate the mower. I would be grateful for any input. thanks, FS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,232 #7 Posted June 6 (edited) Firstly, your tractor does NOT have this lift system that was used on later models. Secondly, the mid-hitch uses an R-clip to hold the latch closed. Are you using this? It is also possible, due to wear, that the 7-01 part’s hooks have become bent or have excessive wear. Closeups of the mid-hitch parts both with and without the mower mounted might clarify Thirdly, we need the model number off the mower deck so we can get the correct manual for that mower. It’s on the tag near the left gage wheel. Fourth, looking at the photo below, and at the “U” shaped tab on the cross shaft at the orange arrow. When the mower is mounted, do you have U locked around the cross-shaft (7-01 above) of the mid-hitch? This properly positions the front of the mower and prevents it from rocking back and forth in the hitch--rocking will wear out the hitch VERY quickly and can open the hitch. Edited June 6 by Handy Don Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Esperance 1 #8 Posted June 6 Hi Don, The R-clip you mentioned does not exist. The mower tag model # is: 5 0622. The S/N is: 41896. Where can I an find a replacement R-clip and the 7-01 part? The guy I bought the tractor from had a bone yard of mowers that I believe he cobbled things together to sell. I should have known better but it was a Wheel Horse similar to the Workhorse we had when I was a kid. I couldn't resist. The U block is now in it's proper positron (I made sure). The block was out of position when I bought it so I suspect there is probably excessive wear. Is this hopeless? FS Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,232 #9 Posted June 6 1 hour ago, Esperance said: Is this hopeless? Totally FAR from hopeless! From memory, I think that is a 3/32” wire diameter, 2” long R-clip. Easily gotten at a Lowes or HD or Tractor Supply--usually in packs of two or five (those rascals are easy to lose--I usually buy in packs of 25)! Good idea to learn how to search this site for manuals and other good stuff. I put “mower 5 0622” into the search box and then selected “use ALL my search terms” and “Files” (or Documents) and the place to search. You’ll see a list like this. Download what interests you. OM = Owners Manual, by the way. I just looked through that manual and it’s clear that the mower was originally aimed at a newer model of tractor that had the extra lift bar and the newer style mid-hitch. So yes, the PO did some “cobbling”, but what you have is perfectly servicable. The manual will tell you how to adjust it for proper mowing height (hint: it is NOT by adjusting the lift lever!) and servicing. A want ad in the Classified here on the Forum seeking good used mid-hitch parts will almost certainly have a good result. But before giving up on the one you have, lets have some pictures--I recently repaired one for myself. You can also check with K&B or A-to-Z tractors. The are supporting Vendors listed under Classifieds at the top of the page. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,232 #10 Posted June 7 One other thought... Many members have swapped out the older mid-hitch and replaced it with the newer, easier to use, and more secure model. I see used ones for ~$50 - 80 at the Big Show, depending on condition. The only reason NOT to do this, at least that I can think of, would be if you were using the PTO mechanism that had a pulley mounted on the right side hitch plate to drive implements (geared mower deck, sickle bar, or tiller). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
c-series don 8,707 #11 Posted June 7 @Handy Don I just want to say that it’s guys like you that make this site the best. Taking the time to help someone new here to get up and running. Thanks for always helping and staying positive!👍🏻 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
