Mowing BK mower deck falling apart

[asylum575]

I was mowing with the BX and noticed an odd noise coming from the deck. It was coming from the right side, near the side discharge chute. Sounded like metal clanking about.
I took the plastic guard off the top of the deck and noticed alot of dirt. I thought maybe the dirt was restricting the deck sheave/pulley from turning freely. After hosing the area clean, I noticed a 1" 5/16" bolt laying on top of the deck and upon closer inspection, I noticed this.



BTW, Title should be BX deck falling apart.

 

[asylum575]

Upon further inspection, I looked at the other side. 2 of 4 bolts were loose and the right side was missing all 4 bolts. The bolts are actually 8mmx1.25threadx25mm in length. I picked up some replacement bolts and gave the deck a good cleaning and greasing. Fired it up and it mowed flawlessly.

Two Question
1.Are these bolts shear type bolts that should be changed to original specs?
2. Looking at the second picture, it looks like the bolts were in there loose for a while and deformed the metal. DO you think it(pulley) needs to be replaced?

 

[thavil]

Somebody else had the same problem two months ago http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/144592-bx-deck-warning.html. I think I will check the bolts everytime I grease for now on.

 

[BigD23]

I've not been into that particular part on my BX yet...Are those bolts tightened including a lock washer? Aircraft nut? Thanks for sharing.

Don

 

[asylum575]

It's secured with a lock washer. I'm thinking of adding a nylon coated locking nut ot nutcap.

 

[asylum575]

Somebody else had the same problem two months ago http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/144592-bx-deck-warning.html. I think I will check the bolts everytime I grease for now on.

Thanks for the link. He experirence exactly what happened to me, except I had all 4 come completely out.

 

[GreenLawnFarm]

with all the vibrations, it's time to check all the bolts on the whole tractor.

 

[pintodeluxe]

Upon further inspection, I looked at the other side. 2 of 4 bolts were loose and the right side was missing all 4 bolts. The bolts are actually 8mmx1.25threadx25mm in length. I picked up some replacement bolts and gave the deck a good cleaning and greasing. Fired it up and it mowed flawlessly.

Two Question
1.Are these bolts shear type bolts that should be changed to original specs?
2. Looking at the second picture, it looks like the bolts were in there loose for a while and deformed the metal. DO you think it(pulley) needs to be replaced?

In regards to question 1. above: no, those are not designed as sheer bolts. The sheer bolt for the MMM is built into the mid pto driveshaft. The belt could also slip if the blades hit something solid. Therefore heavy grade 8 bolts and lockwasher + locktight is appropriate. I prefer locktight over locknuts because they are easier to assemble, and locktight is not affected by frictional heat. Just my personal preference.
Best of luck!

 

[Czbilly]

When this happened to me, all the dealer did was install new bolts with nylon lock nuts. I was just checking these tonight and all were still tight. I am still getting a lot of bearing noise from the deck but dealer said nothing was wrong so I'll run it till there's a problem.

 

[radioman]

perhaps its time to add this to our daily maintainence to check these bolts when we put the deck back on in the spring ? I know I'll be checking this while I try to figure out whats wrong with my top dail knob lift problem this week.