2166 mower deck roller broke

[JayC]

So much for trying to get the grass cut before the really hot and humid crap gets here. I was only about 15-20 minutes into it when all of a sudden I feel quite a jolt from under the mower. I throttle down and hop off to have a look. What I see does not a happy camper make. This 2166 has just shy of 290 hours on it (it's a 2001). Actually it is probably about 20-30 hours less since last year my nephew left the key in the run position and the hour meter continued on. It has been relatively trouble free. The roller assembly will have to be welded back on and since I can't weld, or even have a welder, will have to have someone else do it.

 

[edjones72]

My 2166 did the exact same thing last year and now the right front roller has broken off. My brother-in-law is a very good **** retentive welder and he welded it back on and added more metal on the underside of the deck to strengthen it. He extended the added metal across to the other side to prevent further problems. His method is to weld a small distance, let cool, and then a little more in small increments. This tends to prevent weakening of the deck since it is fairly thin and prevents warping. He also welds on the lowest setting possible. What I'm saying is whoever welds it for you, make sure they have welded thin steel before. If all they weld is 1/2 stock they will burn right thru your deck to start with. Also, make sure you repaint at least the welded part soon because it will start to rust VERY quickly.

Eric