Mower deck restore.

[buchshot12000 21]

So as I looking at my mower deck on my 73 no name 8( it needs blades bad.) It appears the deck is original by the the tag, and the metal appears to be good. I'm wonder if I can rebuild the spindles and re do the entire deck.

Thoughts suggestions?

[8ntruck 6,991]

Supposedly, yes.  The bearings are available, and good used shafts are around - occasionally new shafts surface.  Shaft housings are usually re-useable, unless the deck was run too long with worn out bearings.

 

Check the vendors section for parts, and the manuals section for a manual that has a parts list.  Somebody who knows more about decks than I do, will probably be along with part numbers soom.

 

The double D blades you need are harder to find, but others have made later round hole blades work by drilling two holes in them for the roll pins on the blade hubs.

 

I have a 42" SD deck from '73 that needs a little patching, maybe bearings, and new blades soon.  Maybe a project for this summer.  

 

Good luck and have fun with yours.

[elcamino/wheelhorse 9,297]

@buchshot12000 Try K& B in our vendor section for parts . If you send a photo with tag number on the deck , we will help identify the deck , and possibly have a parts manual for it. 

[Lee1977 6,648]

 

You didn't give a deck size. 

Edited May 12, 2021 by Lee1977

[peter lena 8,587]

@buchshot12000 , having done a few of these , if you have a tech a matic  frame mount, and can pick up a later,  zero rust unit , that would be my choice . I prefer the rear discharge 42 ", the spindle bearing replacement info as well as all related pictures will make things relatively easy. what ever you find , first thing is a flip over to detail check the neglected underside. if its solid , scrape it down let the sun get at it  to heat up and dry out , then aerosol , penetrating oil soak it down , to suck in the metal and stop rust . also rebuild your spindles with lucas extra heavy duty grease , in the new bearings , for bombproof , solid quiet operation , also rebuild the mule spindle bearings , same 6203 bearing , with the same grease , no noise or failure . to some this is very scary stuff , but it works without  failure , and is quietly very smooth , hope you do it , pete 

[buchshot12000 21]

On 5/12/2021 at 10:19 AM, Lee1977 said:

 

You didn't give a deck size. 

sorry it's a 36"

[buchshot12000 21]

On 5/12/2021 at 12:51 PM, peter lena said:

@buchshot12000 , having done a few of these , if you have a tech a matic  frame mount, and can pick up a later,  zero rust unit , that would be my choice . I prefer the rear discharge 42 ", the spindle bearing replacement info as well as all related pictures will make things relatively easy. what ever you find , first thing is a flip over to detail check the neglected underside. if its solid , scrape it down let the sun get at it  to heat up and dry out , then aerosol , penetrating oil soak it down , to suck in the metal and stop rust . also rebuild your spindles with lucas extra heavy duty grease , in the new bearings , for bombproof , solid quiet operation , also rebuild the mule spindle bearings , same 6203 bearing , with the same grease , no noise or failure . to some this is very scary stuff , but it works without  failure , and is quietly very smooth , hope you do it , pete 

do you think the 8hp is strong enough for a 42"

[peter lena 8,587]

@buchshot12000, think you would be pushing it for a 42", especially if you are dealing with a large or heavy / high grass. the 36" r/d deck is the best set up for that , used it for years . I also cut my lawn regularly at the highest setting , making for an easy job with no grass pile up or deck grass packing. regularly check deck for anything , drop it for cleaning , light blade sharpening , drying out in sun , oil spray down . pete