Bent this part of the deck from my JD X540 54" deck

tkrotchko · Sep 28, 2020

This part reinforces the back part of the deck by the discharge chute in case you catch something (like I did). It's 1/8" case-hardened steel, and of course it bent. I can get the deck back into shape because it's mild steel, but I tried bending this piece and because it's case-hardened it has memory so it now it's almost impossible to get completely flat, which means it's catching on things and bending again. [note: the part that is bent down is on the bottom of the picture]

I checked here: https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/72357/referrer/navigation/pgId/347942771 and it lists no such part, but perhaps I'm looking at the the wrong diagram?

Any ideas on how to track the part number down?

oldnslo · Sep 28, 2020

Possibly look under section titled lip sections on the mower deck & lift linkage.

tkrotchko · Sep 28, 2020

That's where I first looked, but this piece doesn't look the same.

I just wonder if there are multiple versions of this deck that has slight differences based on the line of tractors. When I click through to applications: https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/partdetails/partnum/AM136742/referrer/sbs/pid/759603852/pgId/349318228/eqId/72357/snp/MzQ5MzE4MjI4OlBBR0VbNTc0NDojQ0FUQUxPRywxMDYxOiNCVVNJTkVTU19SRUdJT04sNzIzNTc6RVFVSVBNRU5ULDE4MTE3MjpDSEFQVEVSXQ

beenthere · Sep 28, 2020

Try another page, to get to this one. Part # M155785

Goes with the powerflow

tkrotchko · Sep 28, 2020

That's it. I should have realized it was there to reinforce for the powerflow. Thank you!

EDIT: ....and I ordered it along with a few other broken parts for my my powerflow bagger system that I've been hot-gluing together.

Much appreciated.

tkrotchko · Oct 5, 2020

Just a follow up, I did install this part along with the accordion plastic in the bag collection system and it's has markedly improved the vacuum of the system and greatly improved it's ability to pick up grass and leaves. I believe the bent part not only reinforces the deck, it seems to also helps seal the system just a bit.