Mowing JD Model 261 Rear Finish Mower questions

BobT_770 · Apr 10, 2007

I recently picked up one of these (used) to cut my rather meager lawn. Questions: 1) the drive shaft is splines and thus can telescope. Is the steel tubualr shield supposed to telescope as well? 2) I got a bracket with many small holes and 2 large bolts/nuts/washers. Where does this mount?

I take it it is to limit deck height (via the chains fixed to the deck at lower 3-point pin locations). Thanks!

BobT_770 · Apr 11, 2007

I'll answer this myself in case there is a future need for info: 1) Shaft alone telescopes. 2) Bracket that is part of assembly bolts to the tractor at the middle link location. Chains maintain front deck height while castors handle the rear.

twohillsdan · Apr 12, 2007

I have one of these beauties. Mine has cut 3.5 acres on a regular basis for 22 years.
I gave up on the front mount chains a long time ago. My buddy welded up a bracket and we installed a couple of wheels on the front. Now it rides on 4 wheels on the ground and does not float up and down everytime the tractor rides over an undulation in the terrain.

Great deck for lifting the grass into the blades. It will last you a long time.