Bret4207 1 #1 Posted July 24, 2022 So the deck I have for my Charger is badly rusted, and I'm a decent welder so, no, it can't be realistically repaired. I've found several WH decks fairly locally,(42" and 48") but they are for the later mounting system than my 69 Charger, I think they are the "Attachamatic" style. I'm figuring they won't work on my set up. So, are the deck themselves the same, IOW- the stamping itself? I can transfer the drive and lift components, I think anyway. Is this feasible? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,048 #2 Posted July 24, 2022 It is feasible, but It might be better to convert the Charger to a front mule drive. 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #4 Posted July 24, 2022 52 minutes ago, Ed Kennell said: It is feasible, but It might be better to convert the Charger to a front mule drive. Agreed--- UPGRADE to the more universal Front Mule Drive. Here is a FREE download showing what/how to do that. Quite easy to do this, with the bonus that you'd now be able to connect a WIDE VARIETY of attachments... As NIKE sez...Just Do It. MULE DRIVE UPGRADE DETAIL.pdf 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bret4207 1 #6 Posted July 25, 2022 (edited) Huh. So the mower deck shells aren't the same? Sounds like I need a parts tractor. Edited July 25, 2022 by Bret4207 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,174 #7 Posted July 25, 2022 55 minutes ago, Bret4207 said: Huh. So the mower deck shells aren't the same? Sounds like I need a parts tractor. Three significant changes: 1. from the "side" PTO using a belt tensioner to the "bell" PTO with the friction clutch (does require an engine that can handle side pressure on the crankshaft) 2, front attach-a-matic and a mule to redirect the PTO belt forward and down under the tractor 3. different setup deck layouts (spindles, deck belt and tensioner, etc.). I've gotten the sense that the '68 42" side driven belt drive deck is a bit of an odd duck orphan--I've only ever seen one! The mid-attach was also upgraded to the attach-a-matic with both locks controlled from one side. I agree with the guys above. If you are going to switch over, and can get the parts you need, you'll be pleased with the usability and ease of mount/dismount. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,048 #8 Posted July 25, 2022 10 hours ago, Bret4207 said: Huh. So the mower deck shells aren't the same? Sounds like I need a parts tractor. Your mounting frame and rear height adjusting wheels could be mounted on a modern deck. It would require drilling some new holes. The deck drive pulley may have to be changed to to get the blade RPM up to speed. I have done the opposite....installed modern hardware on the old style decks without changing any pulleys. We just feel it is better to upgrade the tractor to the front mule drive system as the side drive swing arm system was not a good design and was only used for a few years. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,589 #9 Posted July 25, 2022 @Ed Kennell agree with you ED , on the later mule drive set up , my initial experience with them , was ok , but could definitely be improved . found firming up every , linkage end / starting point , 3/8 to 7/16 "with washers ,and grease , eliminating drag points , made for much better function . just that trunnion , swap to a heim joint , makes for much better / smoother engagement . once I started doing that , went to next step , noisy mule bearings , once I did one horse , and verified improvement and function , applied it in stages to the other 2 . was fed up with the constant , sloppy action , thats what made me change it . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
