CC GT 1554 - deck questions

[American Yeti]

Hi all,
I picked up an old GT 1554 to mow 2 acres of rough, hilly "grass" and have had nothing but issues. (some resolved, some "fixed")

Short version of question: should the middle blade move up and down +/- 3/4 inch? everything appears tight but it just doesn't seem like it would mow well if it were designed like that.
Long version:
My current issue is with the deck. I was mowing the 6 inch grass/weeds when the deck started smoking. disengaged the PTO and lifted the deck, immediately.

After getting on flat ground and not seeing any specific issues, I tried to engage the PTO. Major wobble in the deck and I could see the belt trying to hop off the spindles. I took the deck off and found a bunch of vinyl chord wrapped around the base of the blades. removed it and blades spun well and appear to be undamaged but the center blade moved vertically about 3/4 inch. Thoughts on what I should replace, next?

Thanks,

 

[tomplum]

No it shouldn't. If the three spindles look the same externally, it's time to pop the spindle apart and see what is afoot. Leave the spindle mounted to the deck. I think that these could have the HD spindle w/ the Timkin bearing and round blade hole or the star blade and standard roller bearings. It would be best to put your exact model number from below the seat into a parts search so you can see what you are dealing with.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

Sounds like you have a bad spindle unless one of the nuts holding the blade or pulley has loosened.

Bob B.