[56Nine]

Yesterday I was in the routine maintenance maintenance mode on the mower deck.
My first question is how do you all pick the deck up for maintenance (changing blades and cleaning)? I put a chain around each front gauge wheel bracket. It seemed to work fine, I am curious what others do.

As I was backing off I noticed some wear that I assume is "normal" as nothing appears to be out of place and the spring loaded belt tensioner moves freely. I'm not too concerned about it as all rub sites are smooth/rounded and shouldn't cause premature belt wear, however I also know these are not normal wear points. Do you all see the same wear on your decks?

"normal tension"

belt pulled back, wear in red circles:

Thank you,

 

[03cobraa]

I installed stainless eye bolts and use a sling with my FIL.. Works great! I have also added delta rings for the straps to go through on the bolt on hooks on the FIL.
My 60" is showing the same wear as yours. I guess its normal..

 

[HouseMouse]

Rub marks.... Look normal to me. Mine is the same although I have more mowing under my belt with it. Lifting the deck.... Anyway you can that is successful.

 

[W9GFO]

I put a chain around each front gauge wheel bracket. It seemed to work fine, I am curious what others do.

That's what I do, pics in this thread.

 

[jphavener]

Checked mine today while it was off... My wear marks are not as large as yours but I have them in the same location. Have almost 2 seasons of mowing on it. Approximately once a week for the season, late March/early April through September/early October.

I pick mine up with a chain through the front gauge wheels. Although now after seeing 03cobraa's setup, I think I may change to something like that. That is pretty slick.

Jeff

 

[HydroHarold]

I have a 54D, but have the same wear marks. I hoist mine from the gauge wheel brackets on the end opposite the chute. I let it down on a piece of scrap plywood. It seems more stable standing on the metal end of the deck for any work on the blades. I haul it into the shop w/FEL then use my beam mounted 120v Warn Pulz-all to hoist it.

 

[56Nine]

Thank you for the feedback, I'll not worry about the rub marks, I "wish" I had a couple of different springs to install and compare what happens with belt play.

Regarding picking up, I like both the options W9GFO and 03cobraa have shown, I think I may hunt down some eye bolts and give them a go.

Thanks again!