My 42" SD deck

[Razorback 1,358]

I have a C160 that came with a 36" RD deck when I got it. A neighbor down the street GAVE me a 42" SD deck a few years ago whick I don't normally use. I have in my notes that it is a 75-42MS01, but I am not AT the deck where I can verify it at the moment. 

Earlier this week I got the deck out, cleaned it up, sharpened the blades, and greased it. I installed it and used it. Compared to my 32SD, it isn't an even, nice mow. If I had to guess, the blades are not at the same level.

From the documentation, I think I have Z spindles. When I was sharpening the blades, I also think I remember that the thin washer was on the top side of the blade, and the thick washer was on the bottom. I also think I have the correct blades by part number (center one is longer than the outer), but I am going to check that. I remember in particular that the large nuts that secure the blades to the shafts are not all the same.... the center shaft's nut is thicker compared to the outer ones. Not real sure that matters. 

Although I will not be using this deck normally, I would like it to be in good shape and mow well. Next time I have some spare minutes, I am going to check the blade height of the three blades. Assuming that the spindles are all Z spindles, is the only thing that would affect the blade heights the thick and thin washers, if those were not correctly installed?

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,304]

Looks like the thin washer is above the blade with the thick one below it for the 42" decks.

The washers are reversed for the 48" decks.

[peter lena 9,923]

@Razorback  haw easily  does that  deck  move , BY HAND  ,at the engine belt to  mule  drive set up ? regularly  refer to  COLLECTIVE DRAG  with  any deck set up. personally like the R/D  decks for freer  flow , also  have removed all  related baffling around  blades , spindle areas , to me they are , rot boxes ,  all my decks look like this , add / clean out change to  lucas green grease to  every  related  spindle / pulley bearing  , polyurea  rated 550 deg flash point  , the spin up ease  is totally different from the original set up , also no bearing whine , also never burned out a clutch disc , 3 decks like this , no rot , noise or squealing spin up . many years in on this , look / work the same , pete  

 

[Brockport Bill 2,398]

I go to partstree.com or toro online and look up the diagrams for various models of attachments like mower decks, or use the manuals here on Red Square to download...and print those pages for future use that I need regularly...that way issues like your correct washers are easily referenced. Good luck

[Skwerl58 829]

When my 42" deck started cutting uneven it was the belt idler bearings were shot, gone and the belt was slipping. Check under the guards to be sure the slide is free and all is good on top. After replacing the idler and cleaning it cut great.

[Razorback 1,358]

Thank you for the suggestions. Afer I get finished working on our 1981 Bronco, I should have some time to devote to to the garden, and this mower deck.

 

(Note to self: quit staying up so late so you can get up at daylight to tend the garden.....)

Edited 5 hours ago by Razorback

[peter lena 9,923]

@Razorback  another  early  belt feedback  is  frayed belt wear , all related  to INCREMENTAL  PULLEY  FUNCTION , STOPAGE , that starts a belt bounce , typically  bearing  lubrication failure /  heat , stress , far exceeds  original  lubricant , my pto  inner cone needle bearing , is smooth / quiet  , hand spin  , minis belt  , is showing you , how easily it  spins . every one around me , has  a screaming  pto / deck engagement , they also whine  under  loading . thats   lubrication , breakdown,  telling you  , tractor supply aramid  deck / drive belts have been  absolutely  bullet proof , with  no  visible wear  , effects . pete