914A: The Phantom Menace

[KYTurkey]

I love my new tractor...I wouldn't trade it for the world. That said, I'm convinced that the 914A mower that came with it is trying its best to destroy me. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

You may remember my problems with leveling, and then a broken lift arm. The dealer came out to replace the lift arm and properly level the deck. For the last 2 weeks, I've been perfectly happy. Until today!

I started out mowing as usual and everything was happy...then, suddenly, about 1/2 hour into the job, the deck started sounding...funny? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Nothing obvious like wanging and clanging, it just didn't sound right rolling over the grass...it seemed to rattle a little too much. At first I decided it was paranoia and tried to ignore it, but I finally gave in and hopped off to look.

I found that BOTH of the front 3/4x2" clevis pins were gone. Not loose or rolling around on the deck, but gone. On top of that, one one side the linkage that connects from the missing pin to the lift arm had swung down into the belt/pulley area, and had shaved off a lot of rubber from the belt. The only thing that stopped it from shaving all the way through was the pulley, which ground a notch in the linkage instead. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif Adding more insult to injury, one of the linkages on this side was bent slightly, undoubtedly from hanging vertically above the deck when it got pushed up by the terrain.

So, off to the local tractor supply store I went to get new clevis pins...they should have those, right? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Three tractor stores and two hours later, I gave up on the 3/4x2" clevis pins and settled for two top lift pins (3/4x2-3/4"). Instead of the usual clip or bent hairpin, I decided to attempt something more permanent. So, I also purchased some snap rings (too small for the hole in the pin, of course, but all they had), which I installed and then fastened shut with black cable ties. I had to tap one of the pins in due to the bent linkage, but it appears to work. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Tomorrow I'll call the dealer to order the proper pins, along with a new belt and the linkage that's damaged. Right now I'm also considering telling him that I want to trade the thing in on a RFM...I'm not sure I'm willing to continue in this fixed/broken trend with a brand new, expensive machine. I bought new so I wouldn't have these problems! /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

In all seriousness, I'm not mowing a golf course here...it's 7 or so acres of rolling pasture. It was a cattle pasture for years, and then in hay for a few years after that, before I bought it. Anyway, it's not terribly rough, but it's not a graded country club lawn, either. Is this too much for the 914A? My dealer said it's fine, but I'm starting to wonder. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[thcri]

Well, it is a finish mower however, my dealer said it was as tough as a brush hog with the exception of the blades not handling it. I have had a 914 on two tractors now and have had no trouble with either of them. Maybe the taller grasses are tougher on it but losing the pins should have had nothing to do with that. The pins are a separate issue. Good luck with your dealer.


murph

 

[JSUnlimited]

KYTurkey,

This brings back bad memories! I used to have a Kubota B-series with a 54"MMM. The tractor was not bad, but the mower was.....well, calling it junk was a compliment! I use to go through that same crap as you..leveling, broken or sheered belts, and the ever famous missing hardware. I swear the terroists must have came in the garage and tampered with my mower deck!

Anyways, when I bought my TC24DA, I bought the 756C hoe with it. This left me with no choice but the get a RFM. I have aways been a fan of Woods Equipment so I bought a Woods RD60 mower. Never having a RFM, always a MMM I was reluctant but had no choice. All I can say is that I am very happy with it. No more of the above issues and it mows great! I mow around the house and same situation as you with property. I really like the rear-discharge, never had one before. And best of all, it was cheaper than the same mower you have. Also MUCH easier to mount/dismount and service!

I would dump it off at the dealer and get the RFM. I'm partial to Woods because thats all my Dad and other family has had and there is great dealer service in the rare occasion you need it.

 

[jwstewar]

I've got about 250 hours now on my 914A MMM. I've learned 3 things. 1.) Keep a check on the 4 bolts that the mounting plate bolts to up under the center of the tractor. It bolts directly to the transmission. It is a pain when these 4 bolts come out. It is more of a pain when 2 come out and the other 2 break off. 2.) Go to Mcmastercarr.com and order some Bowtie Cotter Pins. You won't lose any more pins and won't do any more damage. It is still also easy to take the deck off and put back on. I've attached a picture of what they look like. 3.) Don't let the grass get to high with the rear discharge or you will have grass "boogers" every where. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[JSUnlimited]

Jim,

I agree with you when you talk about the "grass boogers." I've noticed that having a rear-discharge for the first time, however it's not a bad trade off for not having to worry about blowing grass all over something!

 

[hazmat]

<font color="blue">Don't let the grass get to high with the rear discharge or you will have grass "boogers" every where. </font>

While not 100% satisfied with them, I've found the gator blades to more evenly distribute the grass boogers than the stock blades (which tended to save them up & blow them all out at once).

 

[KYTurkey]

Well, I never got a chance to call the dealer today, so the vote's still out. As for grass height, that's not a problem here, I don't think...I mow every week or so, so it doesn't get too high. It's all various varieties of grass & clover, with no woody stuff or anything like that. When I said "rough" I meant that the ground wasn't smooth or graded, but has the occasional low spot or bump in it. Watching the deck, it appears to "float" correctly over these irregularities (the hydro is still supporting most of the weight, as configured in the manual).

I say that it doesn't get too high, except that I only got about 1/3 or so done yesterday due to the delays and now rain has set in for the next 5 days or so...I guess we'll find out about my mower and grass height! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif By that time I'll probably break out the old Swisher brushcutter again and go about it that way.

Thanks for the info on those cotter pins...that does look a little more secure than what was on it previously.

 

[Inspector507]

KY,
jwstewar was right on with the advice of the clips. I've lost several and so has he. I run a tie wrap around mine now. None lost since. The grass clippings do tend to build up under the deck with the rear discharge. I may have to finally order the Gators /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
My neighbor came over the other day and jokingly said....."I know when you're mowing, when I hear the "helicopter" start up, I know it's you mowing". So get a good set of earmuffs or headphones too. Loudest mower I ever heard run.

 

[JSUnlimited]

I was just wondering if you have had any luck with your mower?

 

[KYTurkey]

Parts are ordered...I'm still using the top pins for the time being with no problems. The belt's running fine, too, so I guess I'll let it stay until it breaks. I decided against the whole trade-in thing for the time being, now that I've cooled off a little bit. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif Hopefully it'll be a decent mower once I work through these initial frustrations.