John Deere 285 lift mechanism

[Russ7127]

My John Deere 285 has a manual lift mechanism for the mower deck and attachments. I find the mechanism hard to operate in the winter. Has any converted their
manual lift to an electrical mechanism? I am thinking a linear actuator running off 12 Volt DC, but I would appreciate any help on design.

 

[SpStewart]

My John Deere 285 has a manual lift mechanism for the mower deck and attachments. I find the mechanism hard to operate in the winter. Has any converted their
manual lift to an electrical mechanism? I am thinking a linear actuator running off 12 Volt DC, but I would appreciate any help on design.

I am looking into the same thing. Have you found an actuator the right size? I have found a lot in the 200-225 lb range but thinking at least 300 or above would be better, otherwise some mechanical multiplication would probably be necessary, making the stroke longer.

2305 w/62C deck.
Steve

 

[jonsstihl]

If we are talking about a 285 garden tractor
there is a spring to assist the lift that can be adjusted with a crank from the back of the tractor. my guess is more assist is needed for the blower in the winter and less assist for the mower in summer.

hope that helps

 

[SATOHBULL]

Or, the 320 is essentially the same tractor with a hyd lift. I have one that I'm parting out. you would need the transaxle, lines valve and handle.