11 replies to this topic

[JDBrian]

Hi folks.
I had a lend of a friends power washer so I drug the MF8 deck out and power washed it. It's really beat up, rusty and bent/welded on etc. The 2 angle drives are not at the same angle so to speak indicating that the top of the deck is bent or twisted. I am posting a few pictures but I think it is toast. Any opinions are welcomed.

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Edited by JDBrian, September 26, 2011 - 10:29 AM.

[MH81]

Whew, it has seen a little use hasn't it?

You may be better off watching for one with bad drives and use the good parts from yours.

[JDBrian]

When I got the tractor I saw the guys property. It was full of large trees with roots sticking out of the ground everywhere. I'm sure that is why it was so beat up. The blades spin smoothly and the angle drives seem to be OK. I think he used it for welding practice! The more I look at it the worse it looks. The long roller is at an angle because the bracket at one end looks like it was welded on crooked etc. The chances of me finding another deck down here are remote. I think I will advertise for one locally. You never know what people have squirrelled away.

[IamSherwood]

Wow Brian, that deck has been patched up more than Evil Kanevil.
Keep all the good pcs as said, and start looking for a decent one.

[Lauber1]

Man i would put the dirt back on it. Its a shame you couldnt find another one there, ive seen several of that model around here. 8's & 10's were popular and you see them at sale all the time. That broken off blade looks scary.

[brokenbudget]

that deck will buff right out

[olcowhand]

that deck will buff right out

:bigrofl::bigrofl: Well...........

But seriously, it looks to have been brazed. If so, welding isn't an option anywhere near the braze, as the 2 methods do not play together at all. Looks like she's at her end.

[FirefyterEmt]

Not sure how much it would cost to get it to you, but here is a bare shell on e-bay for $29.99 but it does not look like they would ship out of the US. But you could ask them still, or maybe someone local could pick it up and ship it. It looks like a nice clean deck too.

http://www.ebay.com/...=item19c8cd9471

[JDBrian]

Thanks for all the help guys. I think the pressure washer poked a few new holes in it. I had never looked at it that closely. I don't need a deck myself and if I keep the tractor it won't be an issue.

[FirefyterEmt]

Well, just hold on to the deck somewhere safe like in an attic or something. Although the tractor is a dream to mow with (awesome steering radius) I never was able to get a good cut with mine. Granted, I used it for just half a season and then bought the 12. The 12 gives me a great cut with the rebuilt deck, but turns like a semi! My tri-rib's are a bit taller and I had to back out the bump stops to keep them from rubbing. Although, I am seriously debating modding another set of rims from a parts tractor to see how hard it would be to offset the rim out-board to gain it back.

[Alc]

That broken off blade looks scary.

I looked at the blade and thought " it can't be broken , must be the picture " But I guess it is broken !!!!! You would think the drive would have broken with that hit , Al

[JDBrian]

I looked at the blade and thought " it can't be broken , must be the picture " But I guess it is broken !!!!! You would think the drive would have broken with that hit , Al

I just finished stripping that deck. I actually managed to find a good deck shell nearby. I probably paid too much for it but I didn't have to go and get it, which would have cost me almost as much as I paid. The scary part is that the blades were not tight. The good blade barely needed a wrench put on it to loosen it. The broken one was tighter but the lock washer was not fully compressed. I think the rust was holding them on. I was thinking I would have a fight to get them off.