Hard to mount the mower deck...

[Copper116 63]

I have a 79 C101 Wheelhorse, 10 hp with a 42" deck.... for the life of me, I can't get the deck back on...     I have worked on the motor, axle seals, brake seal, tune up etc.... it running like a top.   

   Now I can't get the darn deck to line up and lock into place.    I've done it a few times over the years...  also, I can't get the handle to lock up in place while trying to raise it into the locking position.  Any ideas?    

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,033]

Manual help?

Garry

[daveoman1966 3,745]

R U sure the deck is mounted coirrectly....  Particular attention to the FORK in the mid-tach-o-matic:

There is also a 'Trunion Rod' at the lift bar that MAY need adjustment...

MAYBE...  move the HEIGHT adjust lever to its lowest position...  

 

[adsm08 2,030]

My neighbor has the 46" deck, and that thing is a bugger to mount. We have to set the front anti-scalp wheel on a 2x4 and it still takes both of us to get the front bar lined up and locked in. It isn't a skill thing, it's just a weight thing.

 

Get a chunk of 2x4 and a friend.

 

Also make sure the deck isn't cocked in relation to the tractor. I usually have a bit of trouble getting my 32" deck on, and it is almost always because I don't have it square to the tractor.

Edited May 7, 2020 by adsm08

[Copper116 63]

I have used scrap lumber before to get it lined up and locked in.  The forked bracket/shaft flops around so easily that it's hard to get it to stay upright.  I attempted to grind down, the metal sleeve on the carriage bolt on the end pivot points to allow me to tighten up that pivot point.  I was hoping it would allow me to restrict the fork from always falling away from the locking shaft as I raise it up.  I used a vice grip to hold the sleeve for grinding (not very tight at all)... and it just snapped into pieces... must have been really brittle from old age.  Now to find another one(2) of those!   I'll give the old 2x4 idea a once around again.... Thanks.

[biged77 113]

For what it's worth I have the same problem, the forked bracket flops back down before I can grab the lift lever and pull it back.  Sometimes takes a few tries but always able to get it.  If somebody knows a trick I wish they would let us know.  As for it locking in the up position, I had the same problem with my 418-8 with 48" SD mower.  Had to adjust the lift trunion like daveomann1966 suggested.  Adjusting was not easy, required trial and error and each time the deck had to be removed for access and the chain disconnected from the mower lift arm.  

 

I just now saw a note on the parts list that says "LENGTH ADJUSTMENT.  Set to have Mower Bumpers hit Footrests at Full Lift."  Wish I had seen before.

[Dirtdog524 61]

 I put a 4x6 block of wood just in front of the deck and take a long pry bar just under the front lip and pry upwards using the block of wood as leverage. Usually I can do this by myself

 

[Copper116 63]

With a pry bar, some 2x4's a few good kicks and some colorful metaphors... I finally got it on... now it loses deck rpm when I hit the slightest amount of thick or higher grass.  When I clear the heavier stuff, it speeds back up... I checked my adjustments according to the manual... but still won't mow that well... 

 

[daveoman1966 3,745]

Suggestions:  1) Is the belt TENSION pulley FLAT ARM floating freely on the deck.  If it is not free to float, belt tension is lost resulting in belt slipping on the pulleys. 2) Blades sharp and mounted correctly...NOT upside-down?  3) PTO belt tension...should deflect 1/2-3/4" midway of the PTO and Mule drive.  4) PTO clutch plate slipping at the engine pulley...?  5) Ground speed too fast / slow.