Question on 60" deck for 455

[Nufarmer01]

Just got a 60" deck for my 455, are these decks not centered when mounted? No big deal, just wondering. Also to adjust the cutting height on the right front, must you slide the caster wheel and shaft all the way out to add or subtract spacers, is the shaft only squared on the very top? I'm new to all this JD ingenuity so please go easy on me.

 

[Glenn9643]

It's still dark outside but I'll try to think to look at mine in a couple of hours. I don't recall any side-to-side adjustment in the mounting.
Do you have an operator's manual for the 455 and deck?
If not, I may be able to scan some particular info and email or fax to you that would be helpful, but I recommend buying a set of manuals.
You are aware that the cutting height is set by raising the deck all the way and turning the adjustment mechanism (just in front of the seat, left side) clockwise or ccw? Deck should be adjusted for level side to side and a little lower perhaps in front.
The caster wheel height should be adjusted to work properly with the height your deck is set for, and if I recall correctly there is a slot somewhere in the shaft allowing for adding/subtracting spacers without completely removing the shaft.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Nufarmer, the first thing you want to get your mind around is that the casters on that deck are all four anti-scalp devices. They should not contact the ground when your deck is lowered to cutting height. You want at least a finger's thickness between the roller and the ground when the deck is at the cutting height you want. There's one spot both above and below the mounting tube where the shaft for that caster is flat for installation and removal of the spacers.

Like Glenn said -- get your deck over a concrete level surface. Decide at what height you want to cut. Adjust the deck up or down until you're there. Check both sides to see that the deck is even. Make sure it is level front to back or that the front is slightly lower (no more than 1/8"). Adjust your height control so that the deck returns to the same point every time you raise and lower. Now put the deck in cutting position and adjust the casters so that they are a finger's thickness or more above the floor. You're ready to mow!

 

[TimS]

Nu, I have not noticed the deck to be off center on mine - you'll definitely want to adjust the level, if that's what you're referring to. For the right front caster adjustment, there is a flattened area on the lower part of the shaft just about one spacers width above the bottom of the spacer stack - it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Heavy beast, isn't it? One other trick is that it's a lot easier to slide the deck under if you have the front wheels up on a 2x6 or something - it gives you just that little bit extra clearance.

Tim

 

[Nufarmer01]

Thanks a lot for all the info this will help me out. I don't have a manual for the deck, I would like to get one. I traded my 54" with about 300hrs for the 60" with about 250hrs for a difference of $400 and it is a later one with the plastic shields. Yes it is quite a task manhandling the deck, especially when there is two 5 gallon buckets worth of wet grass and whatever else stuck to it. Any way thanks again for the info.

 

[jeffinsgf]

Nu, I have not noticed the deck to be off center on mine - you'll definitely want to adjust the level, if that's what you're referring to. For the right front caster adjustment, there is a flattened area on the lower part of the shaft just about one spacers width above the bottom of the spacer stack - it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Heavy beast, isn't it? One other trick is that it's a lot easier to slide the deck under if you have the front wheels up on a 2x6 or something - it gives you just that little bit extra clearance.

Tim

I have the luxury of having my business and my home on the same property. Any time I need to take the deck off, I use our warehouse electric forklift to pick the front end of the 455 up. Three feet helps a lot more than the thickness of a 2 x 6.