Mowing Accessing bottom of the 62C Mower?

[stlbill]

Hi all:

Does anyone have any clever ideas for accessing the underside of the 62C mower deck? You sure cannot flip it over like a 20" push mower! I want access to check/sharpen/change blades and to clean the deck.

Thanks in advance!

-Bill

 

[kennyd]

I use Larry's Mower Axles for storage and maintenance. GREAT product.

 

[stlbill]

Hi KennyD:

Great, but how do you get the 275 pound mower deck into the vertical position?

I see this working as follows:

1. Lift mower deck right rear to remove right rear gage shaft.
2. Install right rear mower axle wheel assembly.
3. Lower right rear.
4. Repeat 1-3 to install left rear mower axle wheel assembly.
5. Insert barbell from weight set through front mower deck hooks.
6. Lift 275 mower deck onto axle wheels assemblies.

Will a 200CX lift the deck for me? I am not sure those front deck hooks can hold the entire weight of the deck.

Thanks!

-Bill

 

[RollTideRam]

I have the 62c on my x744. I just turn the wheels and roll it out from under the tractor. Pick up the front and brace it in vertical position with a 2x4, then remove blades. It is not that heavy.

If you have a loader, use a chain to pick it up from the front, and leave the back on the ground. JC

 

[beenthere]

Yes, your FEL should work, and those hooks will hold the entire weight. It is a Deere, after all.

Or you can run the front wheels up a ramp and slide under to remove the blades for sharpening, as well as clean the deck as much as is needed. Lots of options. Just play safe.

 

[RoyJackson]

This is what I do for a rear finishing mower, but it will work for a mid-mount too...
I use my FEL to lift one side (front normally) and roll it back against the grill guard (I'll put a piece of lumber or something to protect the grill guard..an old tire off the rim works good too). Always ensure it's leaning toward the tractor, not away from it!
Since I leave it rigged to the bucket hooks on the loader, I'm doing something I warn most people about...that's working under or near a raised loader with the tractor off. However, I prop a length of wood under the bucket to prevent a fall of the bucket if someone hit the joy stick. No one but my wife here, so that's a low risk.
This allows total access to the underside for cleaning, removing the blades and replacing the belts.

I've also read of guys on TBN leaning them against a stout tree.

 

[kennyd]

Hi KennyD:

Great, but how do you get the 275 pound mower deck into the vertical position?

I see this working as follows:

1. Lift mower deck right rear to remove right rear gage shaft.
2. Install right rear mower axle wheel assembly.
3. Lower right rear.
4. Repeat 1-3 to install left rear mower axle wheel assembly.
5. Insert barbell from weight set through front mower deck hooks.
6. Lift 275 mower deck onto axle wheels assemblies.

Will a 200CX lift the deck for me? I am not sure those front deck hooks can hold the entire weight of the deck.

Thanks!

-Bill

After installing the axles, I just lift the deck to the upright position-it's heavy but manageable for me. FEL would work also-but mine is usually not installed while the MMM is.

 

[stlbill]

Hi everyone:

You folks are great!

I tried picking up the 62C from the front last night. It is easier. The non-painted Quick-Tatch part is what makes it easier. Using it I am lifting from a foot or two higher than any lift point on the rear of the deck.

I am glad to know the front deck hooks are strong enough to support the entire deck weight. I've already taken some heat from people who point out Deere is expensive. I think things like this are what you pay for.

It is good to know lifting with the FEL works too. Like most guys I like play toys and I'll take any opportunity to use the FEL. :thumbsup:

I might try the car ramps method too. The 62C comes on and off easy enough, but if I can access it's underside without removing it that's always better.

Thanks everyone!

-Bill

 

[megotatractor]

I have the 62c on my x744. I just turn the wheels and roll it out from under the tractor. Pick up the front and brace it in vertical position with a 2x4, then remove blades. It is not that heavy.

THIS IS how I do it too. It's not that heavy to flip it up, spec says 200lbs + poop stuck to the bottom, you're actually lifting 100lbs. I like to stick a 2x2 or something through the squarish "handle" in the back of the deck before lifting letting the stick stand up while I lift the front and usually if the stick stays in place it will catch the deck before it flops over.

As I get older I am thinking the next mower will either be front mount or rear finish mower for easier access.

 

[avguy]

To clean the deck I remove it, lean it up against the garage & power wash.

To just change/sharpen the blades I put the parking brake on, scotch the rear wheels, raise the front of the tractor with a floor jack, set the axle on stands and remove the blades with an impact wrench. Takes about 30 min including sharpening.