Mower Deck for 1987-1989 414-8

[bradleydavidgood 19]

I would like to know options for the best performing longest lasting mower decks available for the 1987-1989 414-8.

 

New or used in good condition.  OEM or aftermarket.

 

Where to search?

 

Thanks!

[bradleydavidgood 19]

And recommended size.  42" sounds right to me because easier on the 14 hp tractor, easier to find, easier to handle, still cuts plenty wide.

 

Agree?

[8ntruck 9,021]

that is what I am using on my 1973 14-8.  Works well.

 

Oh and to the forum.  Bunch of good folks here.  Between the regulars, there is a good chance that we have broken and fixed just about everything on a Wheel Horse that can be broken and fixed.  We willingly share our ideas, too.  Some of them are even helpful . 

[bradleydavidgood 19]

This one is only 45 miles away from me.  I think I like the idea of having it out front.  What do you think?  I could be mowing this weekend.  If the rain stops!

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267600003990?_skw=wheel+horse+mower+deck&itmmeta=01KX4FZKTEX4GRYAAZBHZD131T&hash=item3e4e340396:g:sX8AAeSwF~Fprvr5&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xBPuXYa9R6sq0o%2Bul9jcxEsHHzVLnMy4r4mvV7sunlWk8XM%2BGQCkJ8YGM3SqHb9sBlySnEHH94nqeigtaxUYNdGUMb9sL9d4W5QGYW7cIZMXUmAVHEXtMMz023Lxg%2BQAnOW7yhVZabPezpaYN1vePwUyxqTW1pznTDJOqL%2FcK0tEd363Sq172loIW9%2BOz4%2BZD8tPT0AuPNTu3ySjtD0dkyNJ0dPZ3PLMpzaS5hcttDrcxc7U22%2B13MXG%2FVCwIPvC%2Bgo9Rij2vsROu20YiMnFJ5SGyCCWZBHDQBvgO1q3np5aw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR6y9_o_pZw

[Handy Don 16,917]

Note that unlike a mid-mount deck, where gage wheels close to blades control the cutting height, this one is suspended from the frame and supported by the casters and the tractor’s font wheels. Those “rollers” are there for anti-scalp and are not intended to be in regular ground contact. 

This style is helpful, though, for poking the deck under things like fences and shrubbery. 

It is a 48 (and you mentioned 42’s). So it’s weight for handling and room to store it need consideration. 

[953 nut 67,240]

Lincoln from A to Z tractor is a great person to deal with, If the front mount is what you are looking for this sounds like a good one, if not Lincoln probably has several of the standard decks too.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,322]

The one on Ebay is deck only. I don't think the front carrier is included.

[Skwerl58 831]

The 42" decks are readily available and some are in very good condition. There are a few on FB Marketplace and at times really good deals.

[Lane Ranger 12,024]

3 hours ago, bradleydavidgood said:

And recommended size.  42" sounds right to me because easier on the 14 hp tractor, easier to find, easier to handle, still cuts plenty wide.

 

Agree?

i use a 42 inch recycling deck with my 314-8.  The baffle on a resr discharge holds ghe grass clips in a little longer for recuts!  But it also holds wet grass which i mowed over this week (dewy) that clings to the decks.   I had it off today to clean! 

[pfrederi 20,827]

The ebay price 875 for a 48 SD deck only with rust perforations letting light though  (no front mount carrier no gauge wheels) is ludicrous.

 

[oldlineman 1,751]

I am running a 48 deck on my 414-8 and the 14 hp Kohler has no problem with it.

[Handy Don 16,917]

1 hour ago, pfrederi said:

The ebay price 875 for a 48 SD deck only with rust perforations letting light though  (no front mount carrier no gauge wheels) is ludicrous.

 

 

13 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

The one on Ebay is deck only. I don't think the front carrier is included.

 

With the seller being out of touch on price, I’m betting that s/he also is not astute enough to consider the deck and carrier as separate items and they noted “(deck only)” to clarify that the TRACTOR is not included. 

[bradleydavidgood 19]

Thanks for all the replies, I'll go thru them soon.

 

In the meantime, I bought this deck

 

The next thing I'm wondering is what I need to hook it up.  After lunch I'll be taking a short video of my tractor and I'll post it.

 

Thanks!

[bradleydavidgood 19]

On 7/9/2026 at 7:22 PM, bradleydavidgood said:

This one is only 45 miles away from me.  I think I like the idea of having it out front.  What do you think?  I could be mowing this weekend.  If the rain stops!

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/267600003990?_skw=wheel+horse+mower+deck&itmmeta=01KX4FZKTEX4GRYAAZBHZD131T&hash=item3e4e340396:g:sX8AAeSwF~Fprvr5&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA8GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xBPuXYa9R6sq0o%2Bul9jcxEsHHzVLnMy4r4mvV7sunlWk8XM%2BGQCkJ8YGM3SqHb9sBlySnEHH94nqeigtaxUYNdGUMb9sL9d4W5QGYW7cIZMXUmAVHEXtMMz023Lxg%2BQAnOW7yhVZabPezpaYN1vePwUyxqTW1pznTDJOqL%2FcK0tEd363Sq172loIW9%2BOz4%2BZD8tPT0AuPNTu3ySjtD0dkyNJ0dPZ3PLMpzaS5hcttDrcxc7U22%2B13MXG%2FVCwIPvC%2Bgo9Rij2vsROu20YiMnFJ5SGyCCWZBHDQBvgO1q3np5aw%3D%3D|tkp%3ABk9SR6y9_o_pZw

This front mount 48" was sold before I could get it.  The seller said he may have some other parts to put together for another one.  If he does and it looks good I may buy that too.  That way I can try both and see what I prefer.  And I can work on one while using the other...to restore both of them.

[bradleydavidgood 19]

On 7/9/2026 at 7:41 PM, 953 nut said:

Lincoln from A to Z tractor is a great person to deal with, If the front mount is what you are looking for this sounds like a good one, if not Lincoln probably has several of the standard decks too.

Thank you!

 

Only an hour and a half drive for me.  Great!

 

Could probably just drive up there next week and shop for implements.  Would be fun

[pfrederi 20,827]

15 minutes ago, bradleydavidgood said:

Thanks for all the replies, I'll go thru them soon.

 

In the meantime, I bought this deck

 

The next thing I'm wondering is what I need to hook it up.  After lunch I'll be taking a short video of my tractor and I'll post it.

 

Thanks!

  You are going to need a Mule Drive.  It fits into the front Tachmatic mount on your tractor.  They are supposed to have a shield like the one picture.  

 

 

[pfrederi 20,827]

I just did some mowing with my 48" front mount.  I use it to mow walking paths and some semi brush hogging... I would not recommend it for regular yard work...The Queen Mary probably has a tighter turning radius.  

 Lincoln at AtoZ is good people

 

[bradleydavidgood 19]

1 hour ago, pfrederi said:

  You are going to need a Mule Drive.  It fits into the front Tachmatic mount on your tractor.  They are supposed to have a shield like the one picture.  

 

 

OK, got it thanks, mule drive on my list.  Probably a couple/few more belts too?

[bradleydavidgood 19]

1 hour ago, pfrederi said:

I just did some mowing with my 48" front mount.  I use it to mow walking paths and some semi brush hogging... I would not recommend it for regular yard work...The Queen Mary probably has a tighter turning radius.  

 Lincoln at AtoZ is good people

 

OK good to know, makes a lot of sense.  I'll take it off my list.  Thanks!

 

So I'm basically back to 42" mid mount...which is the most available anyway.  That will be good.

 

I'll probably buy another one if I see a good one at A to Z tractor when I drive up there.

[oliver2-44 11,611]

@bradleydavidgood The 48” deck is a good deck. It’s just when you add using it in front mount that it turns like the Wieen Mary. It you can find a liter one with round rod reinforced from lip that’s a plus. Of course the 42” is also a good deck.