Mower deck shot

[weeder]

Well my old mower deck is about done, one of the front brackets that holds the bar (and I don't know what it is called) from the front of the tractor has broken off. Way to thin to weld on where it was. So I moved it closer to the other one a tad and rewelded it. It is holding for now hope it makes it thru the rest of the summer. I have a 54" deck #MO54HDA084235 I have looked on e-bay but I am afraid they may be rusted to? Could a person downsize to maybe a 48"? It goes on my 1997 425 which has a pto and driveshaft that makes it work. Where else to find a good deck? Can I swap parts and just get a plain deck and put all my pulleys and stuff on that? Okay I'll wait for some input if you need more info I will try to give it to you.

Thanks weeder

 

[oldnslo]

Up here in northern, IL the JD dealers have some used decks for sale. Not sure what prices they have on them but you could at least look them over before buying one Vs the e-bay route.

I can't help with which model of decks fit what model of tractor.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Well my old mower deck is about done, one of the front brackets that holds the bar (and I don't know what it is called) from the front of the tractor has broken off. Way to thin to weld on where it was. So I moved it closer to the other one a tad and rewelded it. It is holding for now hope it makes it thru the rest of the summer. I have a 54" deck #MO54HDA084235 I have looked on e-bay but I am afraid they may be rusted to? Could a person downsize to maybe a 48"? It goes on my 1997 425 which has a pto and driveshaft that makes it work. Where else to find a good deck? Can I swap parts and just get a plain deck and put all my pulleys and stuff on that? Okay I'll wait for some input if you need more info I will try to give it to you.Thanks weeder[/QUOTE
]I had a JD 332 with 54" deck with some rusted out spots that the previous owner had put bondo over the rusted holes. I priced a new one from JD and hey wanted $1200 for just the deck, no spindles, pulleys etc. I bought some 1/8" sheet metal and using an oxy/acetylene torch and a power brush to remove the bondo then combo of heat and hammer, shaped it to the deck contours and welded it. It took a little time but when I finished, it was better than new.

 

[Richard001]

Gary,
That sounds like the "can do" attitude of an thinking American.

A little sheet metal, some weld, a little paint, just like new!

 

[weeder]

Well that is what I am thinking too, hope the old thing holds up till fall...but I will have to invest in a torch since I don't have one. I have a propane one but I don't think it will get hot enough to bend the metal. Thanks for all of the advice.

Weeder

 

[beenthere]

I'd look for another deck if I were in the same situation. I have two such 54" decks, and one is as old and the other nearly the same age. Neither show signs of rusting out.. but I don't put them away wet.. blow them dry before they go back in the shed.

Only would change if the 425 also isn't in good shape. IMO cannot beat that 54" deck for cut quality. Certainly not with the newer decks.

Wish you well getting over this hump.

 

[MORRISONSTEEL]

Kind of spendy so would want to only put on a good condition base machine but the 48" replacement deck for these gt's can still be bought as an assy, new (BM17879).

 

[weeder]

Well so far no luck within 150 miles of my place, thought I had found one but the dealer said it wouldn't fit. It would've been nice only $300 for it. Found one on e-bay bare but said local pick-up and was in PA. I probably will keep looking and at the same time this fall and winter try to fix up the old thing. But if anybody can help me find one in the central Illinois area that would be great. Okay just let me know if you see or hear of anything.

Thanks Weeder

 

[KEYBEAR]

Lot of Decks for sale look on Fastline.com

 

[bjr]

x2 on just add a little more sheet metal and paint. Deck rust out and get banged up. And in a pinch shop around some welding shops to take the job to OR maybe a welding school where maybe one of the students would want a side job to learn on. Keith Rucker of Vintage Machinery has a good Youtube video of him repairing his deck. bjr