MMM storage during winter
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psvines
Silver Member
When I'm certain the season is over, I remove the deck, clean it thoroughly, sharpen the blades, grease the fittings, plug the gear grease port, loosen the belt, mount Larry's deck wheels, and park it along the wall in the garage.
RoyJackson
Rest in Peace
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- John Deere 4052R Cab,, Deere 855D UTV, Z920A Zero Turn Mower and assorted implements
I have a rear finishing mower, but storage is the same (unless one leaves their mid mount mower on the tractor).
My finishing mower (and rotary cutter) are normally stowed in the garage and out building. My previous out building had a wood floor. My current out building has a dirt floor, so both the mower and cutter will be setting on planks which, in turn, are set on solid cinder blocks.
It's not really going to hurt to leave them outside, but do block the mower up (6x6 beams, cinder block, etc), make sure everything has a preservative (I use Fluid Film) and cover it with a tarp. Make sure the tarp can "breathe" (like canvas). If you use a plastic tarp, make sure it's not tied down so tightly that trapped moisture can't evaporate.
My finishing mower (and rotary cutter) are normally stowed in the garage and out building. My previous out building had a wood floor. My current out building has a dirt floor, so both the mower and cutter will be setting on planks which, in turn, are set on solid cinder blocks.
It's not really going to hurt to leave them outside, but do block the mower up (6x6 beams, cinder block, etc), make sure everything has a preservative (I use Fluid Film) and cover it with a tarp. Make sure the tarp can "breathe" (like canvas). If you use a plastic tarp, make sure it's not tied down so tightly that trapped moisture can't evaporate.
Cool, this is what I may try to get, Larry's deck wheels. Looks like these would come in handy for getting underneath the mower for cleaning and taking off the blades as well as being able to move it around.
Wagtail
Super Star Member
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- St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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Both psvines & Roy's suggestions are correct. It all depends on what your own storage situation is.
I have a 5-bay shed with a concrete floor (barns are not the norm here in Australia) so I've mounted heavy-duty casters to all of my implement pallets. I can simply roll them away to where ever I want to store them when not in use & roll them into the exact mounting position when I need them. Easy-peasy!
Of course, I picked this little suggestion of using casters up from a TBN thread... something simple that you don't consider until someone else points it out. :mur:
I love this site!
I have a 5-bay shed with a concrete floor (barns are not the norm here in Australia) so I've mounted heavy-duty casters to all of my implement pallets. I can simply roll them away to where ever I want to store them when not in use & roll them into the exact mounting position when I need them. Easy-peasy!
Of course, I picked this little suggestion of using casters up from a TBN thread... something simple that you don't consider until someone else points it out. :mur:
I love this site!
radioman
Super Member
I made my own "larry axles" with large bolts and wheel made from wood. I set my deck against the esl for winter
So whether the "larry axles" or your own homemade one, is it basically using the same welded piece hole that the antiscalp wheels go through? Can you not just use the antiscalp wheels or would they not be able to support the weight of the deck.
wpabx2230
Bronze Member
I just stand mine on the antiscalp wheels with a 2" thick block of wood under the round wheel adjustment bar. I put it against the wall. It sits fine
on the 2" blocks.
on the 2" blocks.
rbarker
Platinum Member
Ken45101
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- Kubota M5040, M9540, B21 TLB, B2710, RTV900, JD 325 Skid steer, KX-121-3 mini excavator
I leave the deck on my B2710 mower. In fact, a few months ago was the only time it's ever been off, I figured after 13 years it might be time to sharpen the blades. No, I can't really tell much difference after sharpening it!
With "larry axles" you have a wheel on each side of the deck so it is balanced and easy to roll around. I have a set and never regretted them. They are pricey, but well made.
Take Care,
Doug in SW IA
srs
Veteran Member
I do what psvines does except I strap the mower deck on a pallet and lift it onto storage racks. I also take the spring tensioner off the belt, which is a royal pain.
oldballs
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After maintenace, my 60 inch MMM is stored outside with a tarp over it. It sits on a pallet that sits over the grandkids' sand box that has the sand removed (they are in their 20s-30s now). I move it to and fro with pallet forks. As to the the belt, I quit fooling with that. I used to loosen the tension on the BX and now the B, but it aint worth to me anymore.
psvines
Silver Member
Yes, removing the belt from the tensioner is a royal pain, but gets easier as the years of experience add up. Just don't get a finger caught in it...
srs
Veteran Member
Boy ain't that the truth.
Hammer Head
Bronze Member
I don't have a MMM however I do have a Scag commercial zero turn. When I prepare it for hibernation I raise it with a lift, scrape the mower deck clean and pressure wash it. After it has had time to dry I paint the under side of the deck hoping it will prevent rust and preserve the life.
Wagtail
Super Star Member
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- St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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I've tried google & google images with no luck... what the heck is a 'Larry's deck wheel'? :confused3:
NY_Yankees_Fan
Veteran Member
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Here you go
http://www.moweraxle.com/tractorstands/kubotastands.html
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rbarker
Platinum Member
Sorry they're actually called mower axles.http://www.moweraxle.com/tractorstands/kubotastands.html
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Wagtail
Super Star Member
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- St Helens, Tasmania, Australia
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- JD 4105 / JD Z355E (48" deck)
Thank you Tom & Bob B., now I'm on the same page! And no worries Bob, you weren't the only one using the term, just the simplest 'quote' to use.
The ones that I see (now) aren't omni-directional like a set of casters would be, but I suppose that the weight of the MMM isn't that bad for picking up one end IOT shift it closer to a wall. I don't have a MMM, that's why I suggested casters-on-pallets. It works a treat for me.
The ones that I see (now) aren't omni-directional like a set of casters would be, but I suppose that the weight of the MMM isn't that bad for picking up one end IOT shift it closer to a wall. I don't have a MMM, that's why I suggested casters-on-pallets. It works a treat for me.
