njdpo 8 #1 Posted January 14 Hi all, I have a 1972 Commando 800 - MODEL: 1 0110 7 - S.Num: 895226 - Year: 1972 ( i think ) I’ve had this tractor (and what I think is its original k181 engine) for about 15 years - MODEL: K181S - SPEC: 30461D - SN: 4110321 The motor was tired 15 years ago and at this point it needs to some TLC (piston, rings, etc, maybe a bore job – not sure) - it still runs, its just tired with low compression. Last spring I found a Kohler M8 which appeared to be mostly whole and possibly a good transplant for the older K181. My plan is to swap this motor with the K181, and evaluate next steps the the older K181 engine (while the commando is still in service). That M8 replacement thread seen here: https://www.wheelhorseforum.com/topic/108362-kohler-8hp-magnum-find/ So at this point the M8 is running and I am slowly prepping for a swap ( once it warms up a bit ). One thing that I am wanting to address is the mower deck lift arm is giving me a problem. When I raise the deck - I can see the deck is getting raised “a good distance” from the garage floor. However – as I get to the close to where the manual lift arm is near the top (of its arc) and ready to click / lock with the mower deck raised. The arm makes a loud click and the mower deck drops down into a position which is somewhere between min and max mower deck height (and probably closer to ground – rather than it being lifted nicely of the garage floor) … This has been a problem ever since I’ve had it – but I’ve just “lived with it”. But now that I’m prepping to swap the engine, it occurred to me that now might be a good time to look into this mower deck issue. Can anyone out there give me some idea what to look for ? I've been looking on site for a assembly diagram for the commando 800 and found this diagram on jackssmallengines - which is what I think I’m going to be operating on . (in case you would like to make reference to a part or two ) https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/manufacturer/toro/riding-products/1972/1-0110-commando-800-4-speed-tractor-1972/lift-linkage If any of you have any advice on where to begin with this manual lift issue – your feedback is appreciated. (this would probably be easier to diagnose with two people but my wife is never going to assist in the North East weather conditions were seeing lately. Thanks – Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 39,451 #2 Posted January 14 Check the rear rod on the lift arm item 7-56. It may be worn or broken and not being supported properly in the frame bushings. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,896 #3 Posted January 15 Lift rod 7-58 can get bent and not slide easily through trunnion 7-59. My C-120 got like that and I changed to the later eyebolt and chain on the 300 series. The deck lift should be in that second hole on the lift bar. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
