267h Mulching Problem

[sad tractor 0]

Hi everyone,

 

I have a problem with my 267h and mulching. I must have run something over in the yard because the blade guard (perhaps the wrong term) will not stay closed and as a result, grass spews from underneath the tractor now. I've attached a picture that will hopefully help show the part I'm talking about. I attached some speed tape as a test to see if that was the problem and it does appear that the plastic blade guard is what's causing the issue now. I can't seem to find the part online, even in the manuals, that match with the right serial number. Looking for either a replacement part or other advice - it should not be spewing grass like this.

 

Thank you for any advice you can provide.

[Ed Kennell 41,291]

3319-381 1997-98 38in SD 78216 260 IPL.pdf

 

 

 

 

Looks like you need item 28.

file:///C:/Users/ED/Downloads/3319-381%201997-98%2038in%20SD%2078216%20260%20IPL%20(1).pdf

to the 

Edited May 31 by Ed Kennell

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,385]

Have enough pieces you can weld it back together?

https://www.partstree.com/models/78216-toro-38-side-discharge-mower-deck-for-260-series-tractors-sn-059000001-059999999-1995/belt-covers-recycler-cover-kickers-and-baffles-0/

[sad tractor 0]

Thank you, @Ed Kennell!

 

Does it make a difference that my Toro model is 72085 and the recycler cover in the manual above says it's only for model 78226? If not, I did some research and it appears that nobody has that part in stock and eBay didn't have anything. Is there a recommended parts source?

 

@gwest_ca It's plastic so I'm not sure welding will do any good. The cover is nearly all in tact except for what I think are the clips that hold it in place and maybe a small section on the side/bottom.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,385]

72085 is the model number for the 1996-1998 model 267-H tractor.

The model number of the 38" side discharge deck is 78216. A recycler kit 79170 could be added to make it a recycler.

The deck was also available from Toro as a recycler using model number 78226.

 

https://www.partstree.com/models/79170-toro-38-recycler-kit-sn-079000001-079999999-1997

Shows all the parts for the conversion.

 

Have had good success welding plastic back together using what I had on hand. Will make a separate post on how I did it.

 

 

[Ed Kennell 41,291]

If you never lift the deflector to make it a side discharge, you could drill a few holes and bolt it to the deck.    Patch in the broken piece with Garrys welding or JB Weld.

[sad tractor 0]

@gwest_caThanks, that makes more sense. I also don't think this has the recycler converter on it, just a deflector.

 

@Ed Kennell There's no attachments, just the side deflector. When it stays down it works pretty well and doesn't spew grass or leave massive clumps. I think a few holes with bolts and JB Weld might be the best answer. I was hoping I could just buy a replacement deflector but it appears just bolting it down may be the best option.

[WHX?? 51,330]

I may have that part & all the other stuff needed to make it a recycler. Would have to look.

For a 16-38HLX  vertical but the cover PN is the same 88-4430. Pretty sure I have the baffle, kickers and everything. 

On 5/31/2025 at 2:12 PM, sad tractor said:

must have run something over in the yard

I would suggest pulling the deck and inspecting. They are special blades with no lift make sure you didn't damage them. 

 

The deflector comes off and the cover is bolted on.

Edited June 3 by WHX??

[Handy Don 13,655]

Likely the “breakaway" hinges and clips were a deliberate design to sacrifice the cover to limit damage in the event an “unmovable” item getting run over.  

Snapper uses a similar system on their rear-engine rider mowers. The cover on theirs is held in alignment with bumps in the cover that interlock with clips on the deck and it is secured by a small carriage bolt and a wing nut (the head of the bolt being inside and the wing nut being outside.

 

I’ve had mixed success repairing plastic items--you have to have just the right adhesive for the specific plastic and it’s tough to recover the original strength without adding some reinforcement. Frankly, with something safety-related like this, I would not even attempt it. 

 

I agree with @Ed Kennell about a more rigid method, despite it being a bit of inconvenience for access. I'd use three or four small carriage bolts (¼ inch) with wing nuts with washers and lock washers to distribute the loading over a large area of the plastic shroud to secure it firmly. 

Edited June 3 by Handy Don