Deck noise / vibration

[scoob8000 29]

Side discharge 42" deck.  1994 Vintage.

 

I've got a lot of high frequency vibration coming from mostly the discharge side of the deck.

 

I just did a new deck belt, all spindle pulleys, and new blades and it didn't really seem to make a difference.  

 

I checked the spindle shafts as best as I could and nothing seems bent.   Deck is true, no cracks.

 

If it is that spindle shaft, is the shaft the same for a single/double stack pulley (for the power bagger)?

 

The deck is pretty noisy as well, you get that oscillating noise that reminds me of an twin prop airplane.   Is that normal?

[Thisguyisnew 114]

how old are your bearings? Sounds like a bad or worn bearing some where might be the cause. With belt off is there any play on any pulley however minor?

[scoob8000 29]

I just replaced all the spindle bearings, belt, and blades which didn't make much difference.   No real play in the spindles.   The only deck bearing I didn't replace was the idler/tensioner pulley but it feels fine.    Plus it's mostly the discharge side of the deck.  

[Thisguyisnew 114]

Did it always have the noise since you got it? What is left but alignment and tension.  You seem to have covered everything else. I know you did not mention if your cut was being affected but try checking or re-leveling entire deck, balance blades etc....

[DougC 2,643]

When the deck is engaged the high vac. blades spinning at high rpm will make an airplane noise, they move a lot of air. Have you checked your pto bearings (right side of tractor) and mule drive pulleys for roughness and or noise by removing belt and spinning each pulley? You state you have installed new spindle bearings and the deck is solid so It's going to be a process of elimination from here on out. Everyone describes noises and vibrations differently and it's hard to diagnose those kind of things over the phone.  Keep investigating and keep asking questions. Sooner or later we will get this problem solved.  

[Thisguyisnew 114]

That's a good point DougC has made. Try comparing the way your sounds on video with others running on youtube as a reference... or find one you can listen to in person.

[scoob8000 29]

Yeah, it's always sounded like that.   And it did have high lift blades which I replaced with gator blades.    So that noise may just be normal.

 

I'll check those mule drive pulleys next.    And next time I have the deck off I may sway the spindles from left to right and see if my vibration moves to the other side.

 

Does anyone know if the spindle is the same if you have the power bagger?  Or is only the pulley different.