Drive over deck ramp

[iowa]

I have a John Deere 455 with a 60 inch deck. I'm trying to find the quickest way to remove the deck and connect to a different attachment (snow blower or power broom, for example).

I was wondering if there is a way to build a ramp so I can drive over the deck after I release it from the mower?

I have the same interest as:

Looks like we could make ramps for almost any deck that would support the mower without touching the deck to do the same thing. Has anyone seen similar ramps for sale?

Thanks.

 

[BruceWard]

I have not yet removed the deck from my recently purchased used LX279. I am not sure if there is enough room for a ramp constructed of 2" lumber between the top of the deck and the bottom of the mower? If so a ramp shaped like /-------------\ could be constructed from 2x6 or 2x8 to allow the front wheels to travel over the deck. If there is not enough room for the 2" lumber then perhaps we could find a steel design that would work.

How much space is available between the top of your deck and bottom of the 455? Also how heavy is a 455?

 

[iowa]

How much space is available between the top of your deck and bottom of the 455? Also how heavy is a 455?

There appears to be at least 8" of clearance. The 455 without the deck weighs about 1000#s.

I'm also lifting the front end of the 455 and trying to build a ramp over the deck.

Any recommendations or suggestions?

 

[BruceWard]

Sounds like you have plenty of room for wood and about twice as much tractor as I have riding mower.

I suggest building something like this out of lumber


.....______________________
....//.|.................................|.\\
..//...|.................................|...\\
//___|.................................|___\\



I had to add the dots to make it space correctly.

I would take a 2x6 or 2x8 and cut 8 triangles at whatever you feel is the appropriate angle for the ramp portion of the bridge over deck. Then cut the horizontal pieces for the ramps and bridge. Then build the ramp portions with two triangle pieces supporting each end and attach bridge portion to the ramp portions.

 

[iowa]

I think I understand what you're saying.

But I forgot to mention that there is only 3" of clearance between the front of the rear tire and the back of the mower deck.

I don't think there is enough room to put wood for the ramp there...

hmmmm

 

[bigtiller]

Raise and turn the mower deck wheels, turn the tractor front wheels to the right and roll it out.

What I used to do was raise the front end with the floor jack. That made it easier to disconnect the driveshaft.