KyBlue 655 #1 Posted May 4, 2014 We all know that it's getting harder and harder to find a Solid Deck to use to Mow, with each passing year. Myself I have rebuilt a Rusty 36" RD Deck More than once, to the point its more MY metal than OE ... However it still cuts great! Last year I picked up a 418A with a 42" Deck on it, and it has fought me to get a quality cut from it. Over the winter I looked it over and found Multiple Cracks and a few Rust Spots, as well as Prior Repairs. The shell itself is very weak, will flex (too many immovable object impacts I think) with just a little bit of pressure. I can put the time in to Fix it but .... Light Bulb! Has anyone thought about, or before tried to retrofit a current production Toro Deck to our Tractors? I realize that it'll take a bit of tinkering with the brackets, especially the Rear ones, but since the New Toro Decks (I'm talking commercial 7Ga Decks) Are flat on the top, and available in 36, 40, 48, 52, 60 inch widths. Using my hillbilly public school education logic ... it shouldn't be a HUGE ordeal to retrofit one. Am I nuts? Has it been done? Anybody want to donate a deck for me to do the R&D on? My Second Light Bulb Idea, is one that has been bouncing around inside my empty Hat Holder (head) for awhile is to make a wholly new deck from Plate Steel. The 36" Deck I have is a very very SIMPLE design and looking at it, and even having made some cardboard templates, I think it can be done with only a few pieces of Steel (Three at most not counting the baffles underneath). Okay Feedback Please ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,499 #2 Posted May 4, 2014 Toro has 2014 42" decks again - models 78345 and 78350 Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KyBlue 655 #4 Posted May 4, 2014 Toro has 2014 42" decks again - models 78345 and 78350 Garry Thanks Garry! 780 isn't terrible I guess .. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wishin4a416 2,191 #5 Posted May 4, 2014 I see brand new 42inch Bolens rear discharge decks on ebay from time to time and have wondered if they could be retrofitted. But the drive pulley looks like its in a bad place. I agree a toro deck could be made to work with a little ingenuity. You can do a lot with a welder and a drill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Digger 66 3,488 #6 Posted May 4, 2014 My Second Light Bulb Idea, is one that has been bouncing around inside my empty Hat Holder (head) for awhile is to make a wholly new deck from Plate Steel. The 36" Deck I have is a very very SIMPLE design and looking at it, and even having made some cardboard templates, I think it can be done with only a few pieces of Steel (Three at most not counting the baffles underneath). Okay Feedback Please ... If you're going whole-hog like that , why not make it out of a steel skeleton covered with 1/8" aluminum ? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mrc 954 #7 Posted May 7, 2014 hi men, i just called my wh dealer. his quote was $1300. plus freight. for either the 78345 side discharge or the 78350 rear discharge.. where are you guys finding these for $780.??? thanks mike in mass. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
