it lasted almost 50 years

[RJR49 129]

This is a new one for me. It's the center pulley off a 42” SD mower deck.  But, I guess, after nearly 50 years it shouldn't be a surprise. Though it was a surprise how easily it came off. Fortunately, I have another 42” SD. I don't think it was an alignment problem as the rest of the pullys was evenly worn on both sides but comments and experience would be welcomed

[Pullstart 62,834]

Best of luck finding another new one to last that long!

[RJR49 129]

the pulley, and others on the deck, were worn. Probably explains why belts start slipping. I  have selected slightly shorter belts from time to time. thought maybe that was the cause but never really investigated it 

[c-series don 8,687]

Looks like it plain ole’ wore out! 

[cleat 5,916]

A buddy of mine had the center pulley on his 42" deck do the same thing.

I had a spare so he is good to go now.

 

The problem I believe is that he put a cogged 5/8" belt on it instead of the smooth 1/2"

I told him the correct belt to use.

[RJR49 129]

my belt is, was, smooth. The deck hadn't been cutting very well. Heavy grass generally took two passes. I'm guessing that the belt may have been slipping a little bit not enough to smoke. I'm sure that didn't help

[Lee1977 6,655]

Those stamped steel pulleys do wear out I have replaced a few sets of them in the last 47 years. I also have a new set in my parts drawer for when I need them.

[RJR49 129]

seemed simple enough. use the pulley on this deck to replace the broken one. But, try as I might I can't get the pulley off. I tried penetrating oil, lifting it by hammering a screwdriver all around, heated it. I'm afraid to use my gear puller since it's sheet metal construction. I'm thinking that maybe get a 3 1/2, and a 4 1/2 pulleys and stack them. Any ideas would be appreciated 

[RJR49 129]

Toro had a pulley in stock! $125.00. since I had the deck off the tractor, and the belt guards off, I figured that I may as well clean it up. you know how that goes. Found a crack in the baffle, lots of rust

 so welder on Monday and then to a sand blaster. years ago I did the same thing and coated it with West Systems epoxy. I plan to do it again this time. one additional problem is that these slots were so full of compressed grass and grease that I can't believe I had more than a 1/8" of movement. I made shields. I hope they work. comments always appreciated 

[RJR49 129]

and more good news. I'm thinking of having it welded but I'm probably better off leaving it as is.who knows what the heat of welding will do to the bearing alignment . I'm going to coat it with epoxy then paint it

[RJR49 129]

I keep kicking myself for not taking pictures before I take things apart. I believe these backing plates are for the desk suspension. I've looked at Toro's and Parts Tree's diagrams but don't see these plates. I'm pretty sure that they are original. I would appreciate it if someone could confirm where they belong. My tractor is a 1975 C-160 but the deck came off something newer. Wild guess is late 70's, early 80's. it may be a 0542MS05. I found an owners manual for a 42sd but not the parts here at RS

[RJR49 129]

the epoxy has been working pretty well for the last 30 years or so. I may have made a mistake spreading stainless steel on top of it  as I foresee grass accumulating. when I take the deck off on the fall I'll probably have to get my belt sander out and smooth it down. I should have mounted the suspension before epoxy too