Solze1267 202 #1 Posted June 16, 2019 I recently acquired a rj58 with a mower deck. There is no id tag that I can find on the deck and I was curious if anyone knew a model number so I can get a reference manual for it. I also found it interesting that the spindle has the blade attached and the cutting edge bolts on to the end. Hopefully someone can shine some light on the deck for me. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033 #2 Posted June 17, 2019 Click on the picture Garry 4 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #3 Posted June 17, 2019 @gwest_ca thank you that is exactly what I need👍🏻👍🏻 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,695 #4 Posted June 17, 2019 I'd say congratulations on the find, but it didn't happen if there's not any 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #5 Posted June 18, 2019 @oliver2-44 here it is fresh off the truck 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,130 #6 Posted June 18, 2019 . Here's hoping... you preserve that gorgeous patina. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #7 Posted June 18, 2019 @AMC RULES.....unfortunately we are leaning toward full restoration Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AMC RULES 37,130 #8 Posted June 18, 2019 Nice, original survivors are only that way once in their lives. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #9 Posted June 18, 2019 1 minute ago, Solze1267 said: @AMC RULES.....unfortunately we are leaning toward full restoration not trying to persuade you but they are only original once and you would be more than surprised how you can bring the original color out. you could still do a full mechanical restoration. alot of us only paint the rims 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oliver2-44 9,695 #10 Posted June 18, 2019 You might consider a mechanical restoration, then lightly wet sand and clear coat to keep it original but shine it up. Restored ones with rattle can or factory showroom looking paint are just as cool looking!. The most important thing is it's your tractor so make it what you want it to be. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #11 Posted October 5, 2019 Well it's been a bit but got all the horses out in the sun today... The rj is now up on the work bench to get started on... And as of now we have decided to keep the patina and not repaint it 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #13 Posted October 14, 2019 Well we started the tear down of the rj yesterday and after a few very colorful sentences I’m asking for help. We took the engine that was on it off which was incorrect. No holes were added or removed from the frame that we can see( unfortunately the frame was cut apart in numerous areas to make the tecumseh fit in it🤬🤬) but the k91 that was supplied with the tractor doesn’t fit the bolt holes...it’s short about a half a hole off in length. My question now did the Clinton and kohler use the same bolt layout or were they different....also were there different oil pans on the k91? I haven’t had time to check the trans id number to date the tractor since my serial number is unreadable to try and determine what engine was suppose to be in it. Any help is appreciated 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #14 Posted October 14, 2019 Ok the trans number is E9-9 so that would be May 9th 1959...right? Now because I’m new to rj’s is that still a rj58 or is it a rj59. Its all one big jigsaw puzzle and luckily I like them. Still working on what engine is correct and trying to determine how much of the frame was cut apart when someone put the h60 in it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #15 Posted October 14, 2019 (edited) It will be called a RJ-59 because of the date but none were ever tagged RJ-59. All of the ID stickers are labeled RJ-58. Both are the same tractor with the exceptions of the early ones and some late 59s may have had the lift sector installed. A Kohler K90 K91 or a Clinton B1290 would be correct for your tractor. Can you post some pics of the frame so we can see what's going on? In the last pic the hood was raised to accommodate the bigger engine and looks like the hood stand may have been ct Edited October 14, 2019 by wallfish 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #16 Posted October 14, 2019 @wallfish Thank you👍🏼...next time I am out at the shop I will grab some. I see majority of what they did to make it fit but we seem to find out more hidden surprises every time we work on it. Within the next day or so I will post some picks of the cut sections Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #17 Posted October 14, 2019 At least they didn't cut the hood. Probably much easier to find a good frame than a good hood. Very nice find BTW. You got all the goodies with it which are typically missing like the belt guards, throttle lever and heat shield. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #18 Posted October 14, 2019 We have a plan on how to fix the frame. The only damage to the hood is where they drilled extra holes for the "h60 mounting" and 2 cracks coming from the filler neck. Luckily I have a good friend who is a master with the tig welder on board to zap them shut and keep the heat low. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #19 Posted October 14, 2019 If you're still in contact with the seller, this pedal indicates it once had snow/dozer blade attached. Maybe they have it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #20 Posted October 14, 2019 He does but we declined it due to how rough of shape it was in... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #21 Posted October 14, 2019 The pedal still being on the tractor without the rest of it is the same reason why people are always looking for pedals. It will fit the 1960-61 style blades and it's used to pull the lock pin for indexing the blade Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #22 Posted October 14, 2019 Here I thought it had something to do with the mower deck. Thank you for clearing that up...but if you don't mind me asking and I feel kind of dumb for not knowing....how are the blades engaged on the rj's... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #23 Posted October 14, 2019 There;s absolutely no dumb questions on here which makes it the best site on the web. None of us were born with this knowledge so sharing info is what it's all about 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Solze1267 202 #24 Posted October 14, 2019 Thank you for the incite 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 16,985 #25 Posted October 14, 2019 No problem. Glad to save you some long time head scratch'n on that one. Believe me, it's a common question when the front blade isn't on there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
