37 side discharge deck

[mark in ny 27]

Looking at picking one of these for my c165. Anyone have any advice on if it's a good deck or parts availability? 

[dcrage 631]

I have used one for 30 years now with a lot of it being very heavy use (a yard I cut a few times a year, it could be 3 ft tall when cut and HEAVY OAK LEAF load at my house each fall). 37” SD are typically run on 310-8s or 312-8s or hydros WITH 6 INCH front wheels. 8 inch front wheels that your c165 will have will rub on the 37” deck when turning to the left(?).  Other than this ‘interference’ there shouldn’t be anything else keeping you from using this combination. Most owners of Wheel Horses the size of yours opt for 48” or 42” decks for increased speed in completing jobs. There seem to be quite a lot of 37” decks out there so used parts should be readily available. 

[mark in ny 27]

Awesome thanks I have 6 inch wheels from a 312 I scrapped and plan on switching tires between summer turf and winter ag tires.  Any chance you know if the spindles are the same for 6 inch vs 8 inch wheels? 8 did save them. 

[dcrage 631]

Spindles are NOT the same. The spindles for 6 inch wheels are longer to make up for the 2 inch shorter wheel diameter. This is needed to level the tractor so that the deck leveling is correct. Pretty sure you could still mount and use the deck with the wrong spindles, but if you have cut quality issues that would be the first item to address.

If you purchase that deck I think you should try using it with the 8” wheels and see how restricted your use is do to the wheel rubbing. I have never tried it myself. 

 

Edited September 29, 2021 by dcrage

[BellaB 7]

I need to replace the blades on one of these. Which direction do I turn to remove the nut holding the blades? Lefty loosey? Any special torque reqts?

 

[dcrage 631]

‘Normal’ directions for loosening and tightening the nuts holding the blades. I am sure there are torque specs but I have never used them. I tighten using a 15” ratchet and holding the end of the blade with my other hand. So it ends up at whatever I can do laying on the floor reaching under the deck. 

Edited October 4, 2021 by dcrage

[clueless 3,325]

The 37" SD deck will work on the c165, but you going to need somethings. The smaller tires and the longer spindles, and if it an older model your going to need the right mule drive and belt or change the one you have to a two V-pulley one. You can use it with your bigger front tires, but left hand turns will be restricted. Also these deck are prone especially the older ones to crack around where the cradle bolts to the deck especially the right front, check all four mounting places closely..

[kpinnc 15,759]

17 hours ago, clueless said:

The 37" SD deck will work on the c165, but you going to need somethings. The smaller tires and the longer spindles,

 

Or you can use the swept axle from a 520. Of course those wheels have 1 inch bearings, but you'll maintain the same ride height.

 

310/ 312 spindles are about an inch longer than "standard", so the ride height effect is negligible. 

 

If you're in a pinch, I'd definitely go with your 6 inch wheels and upgrade spindles later. They are always available.