Mowing Max 24 mower deck removal?

[prosparky]

Hey everyone-
I am almost committed to buying a Max 24. The only thing stopping me is uncertainty regarding the removal of the mower deck. I have only found 1 video showing removal. My question is, what is the deal with the rods that run from the back of the deck rearward? Do these get removed when the deck is removed?
Can anyone detail how they remove the 60" deck?
I am a guy who takes the deck off frequently, and I don't want some poorly engineered design. I used to own a Craftsman...

 

[BlackOps]

there is a good you tube video showing on and off. i took mine off without an issue - will have to put it on this year to give it a whirl. have not used it for the last 1 1/2 yrs. bought it as a backup if needed. i use my bucket religiously. not sure what rods you are talking about - i have a max 25 and the 24 should be the same and may be tthe same for the emax too. not sure about that though.

 

[BlackOps]

here is the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5uvPjEU8oA

 

[prosparky]

there is a good you tube video showing on and off. i took mine off without an issue - will have to put it on this year to give it a whirl. have not used it for the last 1 1/2 yrs. bought it as a backup if needed. i use my bucket religiously. not sure what rods you are talking about - i have a max 25 and the 24 should be the same and may be tthe same for the emax too. not sure about that though.

That's the video I saw. I am talking about the two rods that have springs on them coming off of the back of the deck. If I remember correctly, they run back to the 3 point arms. Can you get a picture of the deck when it is removed from the tractor? I haven't been able to find a good picture.
I test drove the Max 24 last week, but didn't have the dealer show me how to remove the deck. I will say, I was really impressed with the build quality of the deck.

 

[BlackOps]

it is one heavy mother almost 500 lbs. still not sure what you mean - but believe me - write the instructions down on the video and go out and it is easy and drive right over in reverse. i think the 2 pins you are referring to are easy. i only took the stupid ring clips off and put regular pins on them - easier to mess with than the rings though once they get used should be easier and also was told the rings are more secure. but for my need i like the pins! that was my only change if i recall. get the tractor - **** nice machine. I am most pleased! and yes i did my homework i am too poor to waste that kind of money and I wanted the best.

 

[MarkF48]

Assuming it's the rods shown below(?) They should just drop off where they are connected and then stored some where.

BlackOps.... when driving onto or off the mower deck, has the deck been pushed ahead of the tires rather than staying put? I've got an old Ariens GT16 tractor that the deck had to be driven over to mount it and I had to use a set of ramps to get up and over the deck as it wouldn't stay in place when the tires pushed into it without having a small ramp. The Ariens is a smaller tractor and deck was lighter, but same principal.

 

[brasco426]

Mine was delivered on and I wanted it removed for the duration of the winter for ground clearance. Lower the 3 pt hitch to lower the mower, pull the 2 rear pins, disconnect the front, then the pto. If the linkages you are talking about are what I'm thinking then they are the ones at the rear and yes you would raise the 3 pt. hitch and it comes right up. You can adjust the travel of the rear linkages there is a dial that sets the deck float height. I hope this helps.

 

[brasco426]

Btw I drove it right off in my backyard in 4 wheel drive and it went right over it. They do say to have the loader removed first but mine did just fine.

 

[BlackOps]

i kept loader on and it moved a bit but then it was ok. do not remember 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive. low or high either. never put it on but will this year. do not plan on ever removing the loader bucket. That is my main workhorse.

 

[brasco426]

I just raised the loader right up to get the weight as far back as I could and it drove right over it. BlackOps you're right I Love that little machine

 

[Browneyesvictim]

Yes. Those rods can and should come off. Although I have seen some folks leave them on the tractor with the mower off, I don't like to leave any more hanging off the belly than is necessary. Its only a few steps more to take them off. Those rods are what adjust the height of the mower deck using the 3PH lever. The video is almost accurate... However its not quite as easy to remove just the rear pins or re-align them into the mower deck brackets and if there is any weigh of the mower deck hanging on them. To remove the deck I do the following in sequence:

1. Raise the mower deck to full height
2. Remove the pin at the at the height adjustment bracket at the rear of the tractor below the PTO
3. Lower the mower deck so that it is sitting on the ground. * Depending on the anti-scalp wheel adjustment or height adjustment settings it may not release all the weight.
4. Release the front mount mechanism at the front of the tractor
5. Remove all 4 circlips and pins.
6. Remove the turnbuckle clips on the adjustment rods where they attach to the 3PH linkage
7. The adjustment rods can be removed completely at this point or left where they are.
8. Remove the PTO shaft at the rear coupling.
9. Drive off the deck.

I find its easier to drive over with the big wheels than the front wheels or it does sometimes scoot the mower deck. Not so much an issue in the grass, but no-way-Jose if doing it on flat concrete. I have a couple of short 2x4's that I put in front of the deck to help as a ramp.

 

[BlackOps]

brasco426

 

[prosparky]

Thanks everyone. That's exactly what I needed to know.