2305 62C height and belt question

Backup · Jul 3, 2007

I've noticed a couple things on my 2305 with 62C MMM that I'm not sure are right.

First, what height setting do most of you use? I use the highest notch or maybe the one right next to it, but nothing lower. It doesn't seem like the cutting height can be set very high with the adjustment knob, even in the lock position it is not very high (maybe 4 or 5 inches??). Can this be adjusted? I didn't see anything in the book on this. It will raise substantially higher with hydraulic lift than what it rests on with the adjustment knob.

Second, the drive belt on the deck has a lot of vibration and play in the long section near the back of the deck. When engaged, the belt vibrates around enough to rub on the top of the deck, and has placed visible black streaks where it has touched. The belt tensioner seems normal with the standard spring in place and nothing else appears to be wrong. Again, I don't see anything in the book on how to adjust the tension, if needed. Not sure if anybody else has seen this.

JDforMe · Jul 4, 2007

Hey Backup,

I'm headed out first thing in the morning to cut the lawn... I have a 2305 with the 62C deck as well.

I don't recall seeing what you describe, as far as belt tension/wear goes, but I'll drop a note later tomorrow and let you know what I find.

Cheers!

VABlue · Jul 4, 2007

The cutting hieght is adjustable from 1.5-4", so if you need it higher than that you might want to check into a RFM. I haven't seen any belt marks on my deck (53") or felt any wierd vibrations, either (except when I collected silt fence around the spindles). Did you check the blades/spindles to see if they look right?

stuarth · Jul 4, 2007

Backup,
I have the same two issues with my JD also. The only difference is I have the 54C mmm. I have the rub marks from the belt and I cut my grass at the highest also. Let me know what you come up with if you can.
Thanks, Stu

thatguy · Jul 4, 2007

I have the 62D (for a 2320) - which I believe are the same decks, but mine has the armor for driving over it.. the both take the same blades and mulching kit

I mow with it in the highest setting (one below LOCK) - that is about 4". Full LOCK is about 6 or 7" i think. My setting knob is not marked correctly, so I made some labels and stuck them on.. It appears that the knob is removable, but you have to have some split ring pliers - and even then I dont know if you can re-install it so it reads correctly,.

Due to the drier weather I am trying to keep my grass as tall as possible. IRC the dealer set it up for the lowest setting at about 3" -

I will have to look and see if im having the belt issue..

brian

JDforMe · Jul 5, 2007

Hey there Backup,

Just to confirm what was mentioned by one of the gang in an earlier post.... The height adjustment knob lets you adjust height (looking at the very bottom of the mower deck) from about 1" off the ground to about 4". I'm guessing that actual blade height range between about 3" and 6 or 7"

As far as the belt goes, I took a look at my 2305 with the blades running and while there was a little bit of wobble or vibration in the belt when looking at the longest run between pulleys at the back of the deck, it wasn't excessive nor was there any contact with the deck. Perhaps the tensioner needs adjustment to get rid of that vibration? I've only got about 10 hrs on the machine at this point so I'll keep an eye on it..... Good Luck, keep us posted!

Backup · Jul 6, 2007

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the deck height adjustment is what it is. I can rotate the height adjustment knob 360 degrees and the manual says that is OK. The manual does mention adjusting the length of a control arm (forget which one) if the the adjustment knob does NOT rotate 360 degress, but I wonder if mine is over adjusted some. I need to check that.

The belt issue seems to come and go. Couple days ago the vibration seemed better, but it is clear that the belt has rubbed on the deck at times. I'll remove the deck, give it a good cleaning/lube, and verify the tensioner. I've got about 30 hours on the deck now, some with heavy tall grass. It cuts like a champ though, can't complain about performance.

itsbob · Jul 28, 2008

I did an experiment with my deck (as I've mentioned elsewhere on here).

Set your deck to minimum cut height, make sure the wheels on the deck are up and out of the way.

Set the deck down.

IF it's adjusted properly you should have 1 - 2 inches of room between the deck and the ground. Mine slammed into the ground, and all four corners of the deck were firmly planted.. Not even a 1/4 inch cut height.

IF that's the case you can adjust it up from there.

My max cut height was about 2 inches, now it's a little more than four. With all four scalping wheels off the ground, with the mower set at max height, I only have one hole showing, and all four wheels I can fit my fingers under.

I had to adjust the rear adjusters on the lift bars, then adjust the nuts on the front mounting 'U' bar to get everything even. Then when all was said and done, I tried the 360 degree adjutment knob turn, and it didn't work, so I had to go back and adjust the ?? arm that's between the frame and the left tire. If you look at the mechanics of the lift mechanism you'll get an idea as to how it works, and figure out what needs to be adjusted where.

If all else fails, by bigger tires!!

ChuckinNH · Jul 28, 2008

There is a very recent thread that talks about the height adjustment issue, and has some good pictures of what needs to be adjusted. Here is a link to that thread:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...5975-2305-can-i-get-mmdeck-2.html#post1451611

BamaJDfan · Sep 19, 2008

itsbob said:
I did an experiment with my deck (as I've mentioned elsewhere on here).

Set your deck to minimum cut height, make sure the wheels on the deck are up and out of the way.

Set the deck down.

IF it's adjusted properly you should have 1 - 2 inches of room between the deck and the ground. Mine slammed into the ground, and all four corners of the deck were firmly planted.. Not even a 1/4 inch cut height.

IF that's the case you can adjust it up from there.

My max cut height was about 2 inches, now it's a little more than four. With all four scalping wheels off the ground, with the mower set at max height, I only have one hole showing, and all four wheels I can fit my fingers under.

I had to adjust the rear adjusters on the lift bars, then adjust the nuts on the front mounting 'U' bar to get everything even. Then when all was said and done, I tried the 360 degree adjutment knob turn, and it didn't work, so I had to go back and adjust the ?? arm that's between the frame and the left tire. If you look at the mechanics of the lift mechanism you'll get an idea as to how it works, and figure out what needs to be adjusted where.

If all else fails, by bigger tires!!

I had the same problem: mower would not mow very high (maybe 2.5") even when the height adjustment knob was set in the highest position. ...except, after 10 hours the rockshaft bellcrank broke while mowing the church acreage.

After I got the tractor back from the dealer (the first time), I tried the experiement as posted earlier in this thread: raised the wheels all the way up, turned the adjustment knob to the lowest poistion and lowered the deck. As suspected, the deck went all the way to the garage floor.

Bottom line: after two frusterating trips back to the dealer within 15 hours, the dealer said, "The rockshaft bellcrank will never break again. The deck was never adjusted correctly from day one."

Now that the rockshaft bellcrank has been replaced and the deck properly adjusted, it cuts very well.