Mowing Need Help: JD ZTR Mower, how to lift?

[SCRich]

Not a tractor but I need some help lifting my JD ZTR Mower. It's a commercial HST 42in cut so it's a bit heavy, much more than these Lowes specials you normally see.

How does someone service the underside of the deck ? The muffler is on the back lengthwise so I can't tip it back. I was thinking of using my loader and some chain but I'd crush the muffler body once I hit 80 or so degrees.

I got an ATV lift but that can't lift it high enough to work on the blades and clean up the bottom of the deck. I also don't think the mower is high enough to be able to slide the lift under the deck.

I have killed my blades, my fault, new property built almost on rock (limestone, quartz, iron). It got it's 1st service last fall and I have only used it 3-4 times since but I noticed it cutting poorly. Today the blades stopped just right and I saw one next to the discharge chute, it's all nicked up REAL bad. I will probably grind and sharpen these two and use them a few more times while we find the last few hidden rocks then use them as a "swap pair".
My son and I have probably filled the loader 2-3 times with rock but there are still a few more hidden, now that the grass is mowed we should be able to pick those up this week.

 

[jdbower]

The ZTRs at my dealer seem to have standard 7 Iron mower decks that seem like they can be removed, if you can figure out which model you've got you can probably download a manual to figure out how to remove the deck. Once it's off it should be easier to lift and repair the blades.

 

[2Malamutes]

http://www.steensmalawn.com/nt/pages/photogallery/viewgallerycontent/945/7848/gallerydetail.aspx

My local dealer, Steensma in Kalamazoo, has a lift called the Tim's Easy Lift that one of the owners designed. It can be seen in the small linked photo above, but I can't find where they have it on their site elsewhere. Basically* the arm attaches to a quick plate (so you could move the arm from say a trailer to a garage), and a cross member attaches to the front of the ZTR that stays on the ZTR. You drive up to the arm, and attach the cross member to the arm and then basically drive forwards which levers the front of the ZTR up into the air exposing the underside of the deck as seen in the photo. When done, just back the ZTR away and disconnect from the arm. *The above is fairly accurate, although not necessarily exactly accurate as I don't have a ZTR, but I did take a look at it. Give them a call and I'm sure they can give you a better explanation and pricing. New Equipment I have no affiliation with them other than having bought a lot of stuff there, but tell them Phil sent you and maybe they'll give me a discount on the next thing I buy

 

[SCRich]

That is some real innovative thinking! I may just have to call them and find out how much. It does not seem difficult to make, I do have a welder but by the time I buy the materials, go somewhere to have the tube bent it's not worth it, better to buy.

The only part that I don't like is that I got to find a good place to attach the plate. I guess I could put it on the corner of the driveway but then it would be in the way AND exposed to the elements. Unless fully powdercoated it would rust.

It does give me an idea that would work in a pinch for now. I can make some sort of T support (no tube bending) for safety and use my bucket loader with chain to lift it. Once it's up in the air, not so high to crush the muffler in the back I can slide the support underneath, drop the front (but NOT remove the chains) and feel secure enough to unbolt the blades and pressure wash the deck.

 

[prosperity]

What model Deere ZTR do you have?

Mine is a 757, and I can lift the front of my Z as high as I want - it will just touch the rear frame when high enough.

Anyway, there is a jack made especially for Z's - Jungle Jack - ~$150

The Jungle Jack manufactured by Jungle Jim's Accessory Products

Since my Z is always on my trailer during the season, I use my trailer ramp. I run one front wheel up on the ramp while the rest of the machine hangs over the side of the ramp - gives plenty of room to get at everything under the deck.

 

[Nuru]

That is some real innovative thinking! I may just have to call them and find out how much. It does not seem difficult to make, I do have a welder but by the time I buy the materials, go somewhere to have the tube bent it's not worth it, better to buy.

The only part that I don't like is that I got to find a good place to attach the plate. I guess I could put it on the corner of the driveway but then it would be in the way AND exposed to the elements. Unless fully powdercoated it would rust.

It does give me an idea that would work in a pinch for now. I can make some sort of T support (no tube bending) for safety and use my bucket loader with chain to lift it. Once it's up in the air, not so high to crush the muffler in the back I can slide the support underneath, drop the front (but NOT remove the chains) and feel secure enough to unbolt the blades and pressure wash the deck.

I have seen people use the ramps used to load riding mowers on a pickup and just run the ZTR ap the ramps onto something strong enough to hold it there in the incline position with the deck fully exposed.

 

[sandman2234]

Similar to what Nuru suggested, is a car trailer, that has two runners and an open middle. Another way is to procure a pair of crossties, and slice a ramp on one end with a chainsaw, and take that piece and raise the opposite end with it. Should give you enough to work under it.
David from jax

 

[SCRich]

Thanks for all the idea guys! I have an ATV ramp but can't do much with it, I purchased the full ramp so I can't get to the middle part. I'll probably end up making 2 ramps (I got a kit somewhere) and just do it that way.

I do like the jack though, looks like a simple idea.

 

[JiminGa]

I'd go for the loader as a lift and a pair of jack stands to support it...

 

[kycontrols]

I use a regular car ramp to for any maintenance under the deck of my ZTR. I have two set of blades that I rotate in and out. I sharpen the blades I take off when I have time.