RC60-72H Deck Squeal

Tommyl8586 · Jul 3, 2017

Hi everyone,

Hoping someone can give me some ideas what to look for here.

I have a 1986 B7200 with the RC60-72H mower deck that I recently bought used. I have mowed with it about 4 times so far, and after blade replacements, it mows great.

The last two times I have cut, the deck make this awful squealing noise, but only when the deck is down. It does it whether the PTO is engaged or not. I have greased every fitting, and put extra on all the wheels. It doesn't sound like it is the wheels like I originally thought, it seems like it is coming from the brackets if that is possible? I am not sure.

If anyone has any ideas or experience with this, please help. It is the most awful sound, and I mow about 5 acres!

Fallon · Jul 3, 2017

Where is it coming from? Is it constant or only when moving?

I'm guessing you need to lube the trailing wheel axle and/or pivot.

Tommyl8586 · Jul 3, 2017

It is only when the deck is down, and is there whether PTO is engaged or not. It is pretty much constant, but a little lessened when riding on completely level ground. I will lube the rear wheel some more, hopefully that'll stop it!

Thank you!

Dave M7040 · Jul 4, 2017

Tracking down noises without having your ear ripped off by rotating machinery.

A rubber hose or tube stuck in your ear and the open end moved around the deck will help you zero in quite quickly.

A poor man's stethoscope. Not too tight in your ear in case there is air under pressure associated with the noise.

You could tape the open end of the tube near where you think the problem might be and then go for a drive.

Perhaps it will take a few tries.

Dave M7040

BX23S-1 · Jul 4, 2017

Kinda sounds like the mower arms need some grease. I would lube all pivot point`s. Process of elimination... start with that first.

JWR · Jul 4, 2017

Dave M7040 said:
Tracking down noises without having your ear ripped off by rotating machinery.

A rubber hose or tube stuck in your ear and the open end moved around the deck will help you zero in quite quickly.

A poor man's stethoscope. Not too tight in your ear in case there is air under pressure associated with the noise.

You could tape the open end of the tube near where you think the problem might be and then go for a drive.

Perhaps it will take a few tries.

Dave M7040

Dave -- your comment conjures up a good cartoon. It sounds to me like he has the squeal only when the deck is down and the machine is moving forward. The cartoon is this dude running alongside , desperately trying to keep up, with a long rubber tube to his ear ... more seriously, what he describes as an "awful squealing noise" is hard to imagine with the PTO NOT running. Wierd.

Dave M7040 · Jul 4, 2017

JWR

I agree sometimes the "old" methods seems a little funny.

Actually, in my mind I saw the testing being done in a couple of ways and I should have included them in my post.

One was to tape the tube to the deck close to what you thought might be the problem and then have the tube with you as you drive the tractor.

Alternatively, remove the back wheels but set the mower on blocks so it is at the same height as when the problem happens and in that way you can move the tube around without chasing after the machine. Always keeping your toes back from the operating mower deck!

I agree with you that it certainly sounds like a pto joint problem.

The joint is not happy operating at larger angles or the joint is rubbing on something at higher operating angles.

Dave M7040

JWR · Jul 4, 2017

But he said this noise is there without the PTO running. That's what puzzles me.

Steave · Jul 4, 2017

Since it's not squealing until you lower the mower sounds like it could be coming from your hydraulic lift.

Check your fluid level. Just throwing suggestions at you ??