1971 Raider 12 - Bigger Deck?

[forwardtrends 1]

I have a '71 Raider 12 that I love and use constantly.

I had the Kohler engine completely redone this summer, lots of new parts, etc. so it runs very strong.. but I have a large yard and could really use a bigger deck.

What types / brands of decks will fit and how big can I / should I go with a 12 horse tractor?

Thanks!

[Rock farmer 41]

That's a fine looking tractor! I wish mine looked that good!

I have a ford with a 12 horse kohler. It runs a 60" with plenty of power to spare.

I don't know how big a deck wheel horse made to fit your tractor.

42" or 48" I think.

You could get a tow behind gang reel mower.

Joe

[forwardtrends 1]

Yeah I doubt I'll find a wheel horse deck for those years, I did find a bunch of 60" ones from newer models just don't know if they will work or not.

Thanks my Grandfather bought it new, then my Dad had it for years. I used to cut grass with it when I was a kid. Sat in his barn for about 10 years, til 2009 when I got it. Paint, seat, etc is all original just needed cleaned up. Mechanic that rebuilt the engine said "That thing'll run for another 40 years".

[Rock farmer 41]

You've got a attach-a-matic deck with a 6" wide deck support piece.

The newer type deck use a deck support assemble thats more like 18" wide.

Maybe you could fab something to work. But I don't think I'd want to go down that road.

Mower decks cost about the same as machines with mower decks!

Joe

[forwardtrends 1]

Yeah that's true! Right now it's a 48" and takes me about 3 hours to do the whole yard - I may have to go the tow behind route if I want to shave some time off. Thanks for your help

[dcrage 628]

Not an expert; just been reading this site for 2-3 years -- I don't believe there is any way you will get a 60" deck to fit on there -- The most common 60" was for the 520-H and I think the 'forward swept' front end was needed to allow the mounting of that deck -- I also think there were some big decks that were designed for D's (D-250?) and the C-195(?) but seems like that was all they would work on

[KC9KAS 4,741]

That is a very nice looking Raider 12!

I have a 71 Raider 12, but no where near that nice looking.

[forwardtrends 1]

Thanks DC - I figured it was a long shot. Rock Farmer is right, I have a 6" wide deck support so I guess I'd need an older model deck. May look into a tow-behind

Thanks KC9KAS, wish I had pics of when it came out of the barn!

[546cowboy 301]

Really the way to mow it faster is with a trail mower pulled behind. When I first decided to pull one behind a 42" deck I figured I would have problems going between trees and around bushes and stuff. Not True! If you get a 44" you can go pretty much any where with it.

I used to pull my home built 60" behind an old Cub just fine. At one time I had the 42" deck, the 60" trail mower and a 44" trail mower all hooked together and mowed an acre and a half pasture in 35 minutes. That used to take me 3 1/2 hours with just a 42" deck. If you look around you can find those 44" ones on CL or ebay pretty cheap compared to a new one. Here is my home-built mower. :WRS: