I was all set to cut the grass and enjoy a beer on the deck wen done and this happened

[muncybob311]

It's been a good day until this afternoon. Had just started to mow and backed up at a bit of a quick pace when I caught the mower deck on the horse trailer. At first I just thought I didn't have the quick attach secured 100% but it's a lot worse than that. Hoping Terry can send me the parts needed so I can start looking for a good welder that will come to our house.

 

[CliffordK]

Ok, so that is some kind of big shaft that was snapped. Are there parts that need to be welded to that shaft that you don't think will come with the replacement part?

Or do you wish to try to fabricate a new part from scratch?

The first thing I'd do is try to get both ends of the shaft removed from your machine, you'll need it out no matter how you repair it.

You should also look at the condition of bearings/bushings/seals when you have it open.

If you are looking for local assistance suggestions, then an approximate location will help.

 

[mllud]

It looks like there was a previous weld repair done around the bearing housing.
One idler pulley also looks like its rubbing the deck. Possible bad bearing.
New shaft needed to repair that break.
On edit it looks like someone actually welded the bearing race in place. Destin to fail if so
The shaft also has some staining around the perimeter on the right edge like it could have had a fracture for some time.

 

[CliffordK]

I'm not seeing the wear you're seeing on the pulleys. The two cast steel pulleys have a bright polished inner surface where the belt runs.

I would inspect the shaft carefully, but at this point, it is BROKEN. There appears to be a keyway at the lower part of the shaft in the photo, and it does appear to show some nearby darkening in the photos, but one has to look at the actual pieces.

 

[mllud]

I do think that I was seeing a polished edge on the idler pulley where the belt rides as you said.

 

[zzvyb6]

I'd change the belt as long as it's on the bench...

 

[ponytug]

It's been a good day until this afternoon. Had just started to mow and backed up at a bit of a quick pace when I caught the mower deck on the horse trailer. At first I just thought I didn't have the quick attach secured 100% but it's a lot worse than that. Hoping Terry can send me the parts needed so I can start looking for a good welder that will come to our house.

Ouch!

It looks like it sheared completely through without a previous crack, which to me is a pretty impressive hit.

What does the inside of the Q/A plate look like? I.e. what is the other end of the pin look like? PT has a few different designs. From the armchair over here, it looks almost as if it was a round head threaded pin, that sheared at the top of the thread.

Let us know what Terry comes up with. How old is your 422?

All the best, Peter

 

[CalG]

shear bad luck!

 

[Hay Dude]

I thought he was going to say “I was all set to enjoy a beer on the deck, when my mother in law rolled up on me”

 

[muncybob311]

Appreciate all the "eyes" on this. I'll uncover the deck later today and look at some of the observations although I've never had a problem with any of the pulleys. Yes, that belt looks sad...funny thing is I ordered a new belt many years ago intending to replace the original, just never got round to it so I thought lets see just how long it will last. The PT has over 1400 hours on it and at least 60% of that time was running the mower.
Def on borrowed time!

You would think I caught the deck going fast but as us PT owners know, I don't think the tractor exceeds 10mph which makes me think there was a pre existing condition for the part to fail.

Going to clean things up a bit and take some better photos before contacting Terry. Wife said maybe the part can be welded back together, not sure I'm comfortable with that but will run it by Terry.

Thankfully I kept the contact info on a welder from years ago that did some fine wok for me then, probably call him later today.