Converting belly mower to front mount? 72" on 4300

[larboc]

The hookup is EXACTLY the same as the 72" deck running on the F-932 and F-935 front mount mowers. Two gauge wheels on the front of the mower set the front ride height and the tractor's front wheels set the rear ride height on the deck. Two extended arms push the mower deck along and can pick it up. You need to hang a front pto shaft and bearing (same setup as the front snowblower) because a shaft from the mid-pto to the deck is too long and will whip and self destruct at 2100 rpm and could also have some interference problems depending on what tires you use.

You could (theoretically) run it from a mount on the loader arms, but then would need a telescoping front pto shaft. Run the loader in float on the valve.

Once you have/get a front mower, nothing else will do. Start with looking at pics from an F-935, Its just two control arms, some beefier front gauge wheels and the extended drive shaft. If you run it from your mid-pto, no change in gearbox is needed. Some guys have run a front mower off of the rear 540 gearbox using an underbelly shaft and belt drive. That takes a gear set change withinin the same gearbox casting.

I've seen the front pto mounts, bearings and shaft in kits sold periodically on eBay, usually before snow season. Cleaning the deck and sharpening blades on a deck you can lift up in your face is just like they say sliced bread became.

Ahh ha, excellent idea to look at the f-93x!
I should have been clearer, I already have the front pto and lift cylinder for my snow blower and broom so the spud shaft is there and I have the lift cylinder.
The only snafu I'm seeing so far is that the gearbox on the MMM is offset to the right side (wrt drivers position) but the front PTO is centered. The F-935 deck is opposite. Looking at it in the yard it looks like it would put quite a bit of angle on the u-joints and put the driveshaft in the way of the mounts. With some modification to the deck I think I could move the gearbox closer to center with a couple brackets welded to the deck and repositioning the tensioner idler. I'm thinking this might be worth pursuing since I've heard nothing but bad things about the 72" MMM on these tractors because they don't lift high and they are a bear to take on and off.
I also have none of the parts to put it under the tractor and the front PTO kit's bracket doesn't look to have provisions for the stock front MMM draft link.

I'll probably be firing up the plasma and welder tonight as the backyard is getting a little long.

 

[GPintheMitten]

With some modification to the deck I think I could move the gearbox closer to center with a couple brackets welded to the deck and repositioning the tensioner idler.

Wouldn't that move the center blade as well?

 

[larboc]

Wouldn't that move the center blade as well?

Center blade has it's own pulley/spindle in the center. The gearbox only has a pulley on it. Here's a pic: 72" John Deere Mower Deck - Belly Mower

It won't be terribly easy and is going to require some mods that will surely void warranty, but I'm going for it. I think the plan would be to move it back and to the left and the tensioner pulley left.

 

[sunnyside360]

I have a 3720 CUT with 72" mid-mount mower. Your deck looks exactly like mine (except mine is green). I personally think it would be a lot less trouble to install the mounts required to use as a mid-mount unit as opposed to cobbling up something to mount on the front, especially when having to move the gear box to middle of deck. Just my $0.02.

 

[Xfaxman]

Can you offset the deck?

Mine is offset to the right to mow under trees:

 

[larboc]

Can you offset the deck?

Mine is offset to the right to mow under trees:

View attachment 469582

View attachment 469583

I thought about offsetting but I wasn't sure how much it would complicate the mounting points and what I would have to do to make sure it lifts level. I didn't realize there were factory mowers offset like that. I'm going to look into it, it may be a good option and could be simpler for a trial. It would offset it the correct way for trimming close to things too. Hmmmm, more options...

 

[texasranger556]

Ahh ha, excellent idea to look at the f-93x!
I should have been clearer, I already have the front pto and lift cylinder for my snow blower and broom so the spud shaft is there and I have the lift cylinder.
The only snafu I'm seeing so far is that the gearbox on the MMM is offset to the right side (wrt drivers position) but the front PTO is centered. The F-935 deck is opposite. Looking at it in the yard it looks like it would put quite a bit of angle on the u-joints and put the driveshaft in the way of the mounts. With some modification to the deck I think I could move the gearbox closer to center with a couple brackets welded to the deck and repositioning the tensioner idler. I'm thinking this might be worth pursuing since I've heard nothing but bad things about the 72" MMM on these tractors because they don't lift high and they are a bear to take on and off.
I also have none of the parts to put it under the tractor and the front PTO kit's bracket doesn't look to have provisions for the stock front MMM draft link.

I'll probably be firing up the plasma and welder tonight as the backyard is getting a little long.

For those saying it would be a perfect setup, keep in mind nearly all tractors with front mount mowers are rear wheel steer. There is a reason for that primarily around trees and on hills. If your property is flat with minimal trees then it wouldn't matter much. Also, the early 42/43/4400s are known for tearing up grass with the outer front tire even in 2 wheel drive (I can vouch for this with my 4400). If hanging the deck on the front forces you to run in 4x4 to get around on hills, that problem will get worse. Again, if you're mowing a flat field then no issue.

I've considered getting a mower for mine since it came with all the mounting hardware except the front piece, but then I picked up a zero turn with a broken rod and piston for free on craigslist. For about $250 in parts I have a lawn mower and I can leave the loader and backhoe on the 4400. Just another option to consider!

 

[dfkrug]

You can get a kit that extends the mid PTO to the front for a snowblower. It looks like this:
221QT-Hitch-4b.jpg Photo by grf58 | Photobucket

OK, I get it now. Looks like a great option.

Seems to me (someone who has no grasses to mow) that the only downside to
mowing out front is the cloud of dust you might have to drive thru, and that
might only apply to rough-cutting and not finish-mowing.

 

[zzvyb6]

The deck weight is self supporting on a front mower, but steering forces could be an issue. I'd incorporate 4 castering wheels instead of 2. You dont need to worry about lifting it level. As long as it lifts, period. You will appreciate the offset mower, especially around evergreen trees.

If you can't maneuver your bucket straight ahead and around fence posts and trees, then you should attend some classes in tractoring 201. The mower will be the same task.

 

[larboc]

Mocked it up last night, it could be done but it's not worth the effort for me, have better things to do with my time. The biggest deal killer is that the front PTO is very low to the ground and the driveshaft would be too close to the deck to lift it much at all.