Mowing Advice - belly mower for 870

MGADon · Sep 26, 2003

I now have a used 72 inch mmm for my 870, with the necessary attaching hardware arriving used from a different source. The local dealer suggests that if I buy a manual for the deck, it will give instructions on how to install the unique hardware for the 870 application. Is this true? Can I access the manual online? This dealer has been less than helpful in the past, and has played dumb in cases where he could have made a little effort to get me an answer.
Don

yellowsocks93 · Sep 26, 2003

Well as you may know your deck will be raised and lowered by the 3 point hitch arms. There are 2 linkages connecting the back of the mower to the 2 draft arms of the 3 point and 2 more mower link arms that mount to where the loader masts mount kind of in front of the clutch and brake pedals. You will see 4 holes on each side of the tractor where a plate will mount I think in 2 of the holes. A manual might be helpful for installing and removal of the mower. You may find one online at Deere's website if you go to the ag page and click on services and support, then publications and manuals. Then thype in 72, then see if you can view the manual online for the necessary instructions. Good luck!

Nick
990 4x4 turf, 272 RFM, 430 loader, 25A flail

MGADon · Sep 27, 2003

Thanks, Nick,
I'll give that a try. It's the pivots back at the 3 pt lift arms that are not clear to me. However, I'll wait on any more questions till I have the parts in hand. I think I'd really benefit from a picture of the rear setup on an 870,970 or 1070.
Don

yellowsocks93 · Sep 27, 2003

Sorry, Don I don't have a digital camera or I would snap a few pics. I could not find the manual online at Deere's website. The pivots at the 3pt. just slide over the top of the arms and connect to the back of the deck. It's kind of hard to explain. I would buy a manual for 30 bucks from Deere. Good luck with your project.

zenmek · Sep 28, 2003

Don take a look at these pictures and see if they will help, the mower is a 60" on a 770.

MGADon · Sep 28, 2003

Thanks Guys.
I had a 770 before this and the rear linkage is quite a bit different. Nick , I appreciate your advice and will probably have more questions as I go forward.

By the way, I looked the deck over today and found one spindle with almost no play, the other two move enough to give 1/8 inch plus at the blade tip. Should I rebuild? Is it hard to do? I want to set it up to last a few years.
Don

yellowsocks93 · Sep 29, 2003

Yeah, the linkage is different in the back because over time the paint has worn off of our 970 from those rear deck pivots. I don't really know about your deck problem but if the spindle can move up and down in the housing that can't be good. My guess is that those 2 need to be repalced some time soon.