Help Loosening up

[Suburban Plowboy]

Help Loosening up Pivot Shaft on 60" Deck

I have a John Deere 430. Removing the mower deck is a pain. There is a lever on the left side, and you pull it to rotate a part that connects two arms to the deck. The rotating part has two big flanges that press against the inside of the frame. It's supposed to be loose enough to permit the part to rotate pretty easily, but on my tractor, it's very tight, making reinserting the part very difficult.

I assume this is a defect. Surely they don't expect you to use a hammer every time you install the deck.

The part number is AM39379.

I was considering putting a bottle jack between the frame rails and bending them outward a millimeter or so, to loosen it up. Then I wondered if this was likely to split whatever connects the frame rails.

Can anyone here give me advice? I hate it when things that are supposed to be fast and easy to take apart turn out to be scams.

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

Help Loosening up Pivot Shaft on 60" Deck

I think I may use a clamp to bend the flanges. If they break, it's easier to repair than the frame.

 

[Kish318420]

Can you take a pic and post, I have a 430 with a 60" deck, so I can help but need some more info. I think you talking about the lift arms and the quick release pins???

The P/N you gave is the deck drive shaft???

 

[Ford850]

It sounds like he's describing this assembly with that part number. AM39379 - SHAFT fits John Deere | AFTERMARKET.SUPPLY

 

[beenthere]

Suburban Plowboy
Don't think it is either a defect in design or a scam.. just sayin...

Maybe worn and need of a replacement.

(removed spring pin comment)

Edit:
I think Ford850 has the correct part shown in that link.

 

[bg71361]

I have a John Deere 430. Removing the mower deck is a pain. There is a lever on the left side, and you pull it to rotate a part that connects two arms to the deck. The rotating part has two big flanges that press against the inside of the frame. It's supposed to be loose enough to permit the part to rotate pretty easily, but on my tractor, it's very tight, making reinserting the part very difficult.

Have you pulled the pin that lets the handle rotate?

 

[bg71361]

See pictures.

 

[Kish318420]

I spray the surface that fits inside of the frame and the inner part of the frame with a dry lube. Plus you have to get that pin to move freely also.

 

[Ron of Va]

If it were mine, I would remove the deck and take a flap disc to both rubbing surfaces. A few thousandths off would not hurt a thing.

A flap disc like this; 4-1/2 in. 36 Grit Flap Disc
If you do not have a grinder, you can use a large bastard file. (remember files should only be used on the push stroke)

 

[Thomas]

As others already said also anti seize the living heck out of it.