Uneven cut

[d.buckeye3 0]

:WRS: I have a 42" SD deck (model 51010 8) that I cannot get to cut evenly. The three blades cut at diff heights, at an angle, plus leave a strip between 2 blades. It has no rust or cracks. I've read the Toro tips on uneven cutting, bought two sets of blades, checked play in the spindles and tried to buy the reinforcement plate to add to the deck. Next, I stripped the deck and pounded on it with a sledge until it was semi acceptably level. That effort lasted half a season until the uneven cut returned. Seems my last option is to replace the deck, so I want to get the newest model option and not just buy another old deck with the same issues. Can anyone recommend the latest model number of a 42" SD or Rear discharge deck that will work with my Charger 10? :hide:

[MalMac 1,332]

What you have is a sprung deck. The 42" SD is famous for this. I have seen where Toro Finlay came out with a 42 that has a full across the spindles reinforcing plate like the 48 have. I don't know the part number off hand. But just getting that plate on a already sprung deck won't fix it. Sometimes you can fix a sprung deck but in my opinion the deck can not take any type of hit no matter how small or big. The deck just springs right back. I have dealt with this more than once and it has been my experience that the only thing to correct it is a new shell with the new type of plate. That's why I have mainly went to 48 inch decks. Now the cost involved is a subject all unto it's own.

[MalMac 1,332]

I was looking at the latest 42sd that was made buy Toro for tha classic and it does not show that full reinforcing plate. I know I have seen this because a dealer is the one that showed me the change. Your best bet is to talk to a Toro dealer.

[d.buckeye3 0]

I presume my 10 HP would not be enough to handle a 48", especially hauling my big butt around the yard. There are more slopes than flat spots. Do you know if the 42" rear discharge deck has the same problems being "sprung"? I suppose I could always go to a 36" deck if that would eliminate the problem. I really enjoy using my survivor WH and would like to keep it going, but the yard ain't looking so good. I guess I was hoping there would be a 1980's or 1990's improved deck I could use.

[d.buckeye3 0]

I was looking at the latest 42sd that was made buy Toro for tha classic and it does not show that full reinforcing plate. I know I have seen this because a dealer is the one that showed me the change. Your best bet is to talk to a Toro dealer.

Last fall My local Toro dealer told me the reinforcement plate was not available. I'll check again with them plus check a different dealer. HAs anyone bought one recently or had success when they did install one? I'm not shooting for golf course quality yard, just one that my wife doesn't ask "what are those lines in the yard". :hide:

[MalMac 1,332]

I still can't find that full deck plate. Maybe they don't offer it anymore. I did not think it was all that long ago I saw it. A 42 rear discharge will work just fine. They are good decks. Also I have a tractor with a 36 rear discharge I use in tight areas and are front yard. I mow 3 acres and the part I do with the 36 looks the best. I love the 36. In my opinion it's the best deck they made. I have all different sizes here from 36 to 60 and the 36 does the best job and always looks good when done. If you got alot to mow I would go with the 42 rd. You can get reinforcing rings that go around the 3 separate spindles, and I have done that on the 42sd. I still ended up with a sprung deck. That 42 sd. is the Achilles heel to Wheel Horse decks in my opnion. Like I said if all you need is a 42, a rear discharge would work great.

[TT-(Moderator) 1,162]

The reinforcement for the newer 42" SD decks can be found by looking up model number 78415. (P/N is 79-6160-01 @ approximately $130)

They are intended for use on the Z series ZTR's, but the shell is (almost) identical to the GT version.

78415 deck:

Look familiar?:

[MalMac 1,332]

Thanks TT, I was starting to think I was going off the deep end and dreamed all this up.

[can whlvr 994]

ive replaced the entire top of a 42 side,i cut out most of the top,replaced with 1/4 plate,drilled all the holes including the 2and1/8 holes for spindles,its my smootest deck,no vibration and cuts real clean,im too cheap to purchase a new shell,it was alot of $ up here in ontario

[d.buckeye3 0]

ive replaced the entire top of a 42 side,i cut out most of the top,replaced with 1/4 plate,drilled all the holes including the 2and1/8 holes for spindles,its my smootest deck,no vibration and cuts real clean,im too cheap to purchase a new shell,it was alot of $ up here in ontario

Wow, that sounds like quite an endeavor, with very satisfying results. Since I'm still a newbie at this and couldn't undertake such a project, can you recommend which newer 42" SD or RD deck models might be compatable with an attach-o-matic?