eBay/Craigslist mower decks on ebay

[illini77]

have noticed several 914A 60" MMM for auction on ebay. Since local dealer wants $3k plus for the deck new I thought this might be a good way to save some $$. Does anyone have any experience buying any attachments off ebay? Also, local dealer says MMM is hard to take on and off if doing much loader work, how difficult is it to remove on a TC24DA?

thanks!

 

[jwstewar]

Other than on a few lawn/garden tractors I don't have anything to compare it to. But I don't think it is that big of deal to put on/take off my TC24. Pull 4 pins and disconnect the PTO shaft and slide it out. I usually raise the front with the FEL. Takes about 2 - 3 minutes. Reverse the procedure. Usally about 5 minutesto put it on - OK, maybe 10 if the PTO happens to be giving you problems on that day. Biggest problem I have is I've usally just greased before I put it back on and the PTO shaft & collar can big a bit slippery. I can do that easier/faster than I can my 4' cutter - No Pat's Easy Change - yet. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I won't repeat what Jim wrote but I will caution you to make sure you get all the mounting parts for the mower deck when you buy it. The initial install of the deck requires installing a sub frame sort of thingy (technical term there) that attaches to the lower link arms, etc. My local dealer said they take several hours to install a mower deck initially. After everything is in place, it is as Jim said it is. Pretty easy on and off. I had much more trouble with a garden tractor!!!

 

[jwstewar]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( sub frame sort of thingy (technical term there) that attaches to the lower link arms )</font>

That sub frame sort of thingy - those tight springs can be a bear to get connected/reconnected. I had to take mine off once (installed incorrectly) and then I had one of the cotter keys wear and the spring came off. Was a bear both times to get back on. I had forgotten about having to deal with those, I guess that is me trying to block the bad memories out of my mind.

 

[Inspector507]

And why would you need to remove it for loader work? I leave mine on all summer. I do however remove for snow work.

It does take just minutes to remove it. When re-installing it, it does take a bit of time because I'm greasing everything, sharpening blades....etc.
One note for 914A owners.....grease the rear wheels on it BEFORE you install it /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[thcri]

I leave my on for most loader work. If I have lots of loader work I will take it off. I have the 72" and it is a lot tougher to take off and put on compared to the 60" which I had also at one time. Also if you have a loader already and are planning on putting the mounts on the the MMM you may have to take off the loader mounts first and re-install after the mower mounts are on. At least my TC29D was that way. When I ordered my tractor we had trouble getting the loader and I told the dealer just put the mower on and when the loader comes in I will bring the tractor back, but he would not do that as he would have to take the mower mounts off again.

steve

 

[Yodaman]

Illini77, I purchased a brand new MMM 60" on Ebay. I never used Ebay before. I am completely happy with my purchase. I bid on 2 decks 1 in VA and 1 in PA. I won the deck in PA which was great since I live in PA. But I was prepared to go to VA.

My local dealer wanted 2500.00 and I got the same deck after taxes, since I live in the same state, for 1/2 the price . Just make sure everything is with the deck. Also check if it matters to you if it is a side or rear discharge.

I installed the unit by myself. It is not hard to do and I am no mechanic by any means( but I do enjoy this type of stuff). Be prepared to take most of the weekend. The directions which should come with the unit are not the best. I still am not sure which one is the M12 bolt. Everything works great and I had no left over parts. I used a floor jack and a 4x4 and carefully lifted the front of the tractor till I could get the deck under it.

I mowed my 2.5 acres last weekend and what took me 3.5-4hours with a 38in Cub now takes an 1.5hr /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Now I looking for a NH FEL on Ebay. Most likely I will go to the dealer for this item.

Hope this helps

 

[illini77]

Noticed a MMM's in the last week that have sold for $1k or less. Several seem to be sold by dealers. If my local dealers want $3000 for a new one how can these guys sell them for that?

Also, with NH going to a TC26DA instead of the 24, will they be coming with a new/different style deck to go with? Some of these 60" MMM's say they fit TC18d, 21 or 21d. Will these also fit a 24/26da?