Is the mower deck for the D180 unique to the D series?

[artfull dodger 440]

I know the front pulleys are that route the mule drive belt to the deck, but is the deck itself unique to the D series?   I have an 18 Automatic(D180) that I need a mower deck to cut grass this year.  

[pfrederi 18,104]

The D Series frame is wider than a normal WH.  The Mower shell pulleys and spindles would be the same it is the tachmatic mounting parts that are different.

EDit.  GT-14 frames are also wider...wonder if a deck from them could work.  My GT 14 came with deck but it used the side arch bar pulley system...the hangers would have been correct I think...

Edited January 31 by pfrederi

[artfull dodger 440]

I thought the D series frame was wider so the tach matic lift gear would be wider to match that.   I have the front pulleys, tensioner found but not bought, same for my missing mid tach a matic brackets on the frame, someone removed those as you can see it had them at one time.  the mid lift is still in place up in the frame thankfully.  Hopefully I can roust up a mower deck in good shape soon.  

[pfrederi 18,104]

3 minutes ago, artfull dodger said:

I thought the D series frame was wider so the tach matic lift gear would be wider to match that.   I have the front pulleys, tensioner found but not bought, same for my missing mid tach a matic brackets on the frame, someone removed those as you can see it had them at one time.  the mid lift is still in place up in the frame thankfully.  Hopefully I can roust up a mower deck in good shape soon.  

 

Let me get some pics of the GT 14 deck I have. It is trash but the mounting parts are OK..I think... You might be able to put them on a standard WH deck shell.  I have tachmatic parts for the D also if you need them. mine has an FEL never a deck..

[pfrederi 18,104]

If you want to get serious mowing I have a 3pt 60 inch deck for a d series ..complete.  Unfortunately Indiana is a ways away from PA

[artfull dodger 440]

I think mine did mostly 3pt stuff from the looks of things, the rust on the belt pulley to drive a mid mount deck is pretty old, so I dont think its been used in a long time.  There is one of the uber rare Wheel Horse rear 3pt mounted decks, but its clear out in Lyons NY and I am in north central Indiana

[artfull dodger 440]

If I had more to mow, I would look for help to move one of those big rear decks my way.  But its just a residental yard of my neighbor that is terminally ill.  Hers is just a bit to much for me to push mow.  I do my own yard with a push mower as its quicker than avoiding all the landscaping with even a small WH.  But we do plow days and I have my big boat to move around, so the D fills a need there.  

[daveoman1966 3,766]

The 48" deck shell and spindles are all the same for C or D series.  The lift hardware for the D is different but can easily be swapped out....may have to drill a couple holes in the deck from a C series.  Here are two 48" decks...one with lift hdwe for D and the other for C series.      

[peter lena 8,957]

@artfull dodger  just a suggestion , might take  off that spindle drive belt , relatively easy  , and hand spin up related  spindles , for noise and  rough  rotation , its the , combined rotational  drag  on that set up , that will quickly let you know of  related bearing issues .  prime example is  initial PTO lever engagement , smooth , quiet , easy ?  screaming  clutch  is  telling you of  combined spindle bearing drag / also mule drive bearings  . pete

[artfull dodger 440]

No issues with the clutch on the tractor.  And yes, I always check over mower decks or even power them up on the tractor when buying if possible.  But so far, no dice in finding a deck.  

[pfrederi 18,104]

Just realized the GT-14 deck use the older mounting style won't work on your D ...sorry

 

 

[artfull dodger 440]

Yup, different mount all together.  

[parsonsponyz 138]

I have personally swapped out a 48" deck by switching the mounting hardware from 300, 400, or 500 series deck with the appropriate mount for a D series, worked fine, total bolt on operation.