mower deck rear trunnion adjust question

[Tonyp 285]

I'm not sure I understand this one, I am assuming it keeps the front of the deck level ( to the rear) or something like this, but each deck I own or have seen the adjustment nut  is in the middle of the thread adjust rod, not up against the trunnion.

 

I am talking about a 42 " rear discharge and a 36" side discharge. .  I understand the  adjustment in theory,  but don't understand if the nut is NOT up against the trunnion , positioned  mid way on the threads of the rod. 

 

My way of thinking this allows the front end to float DOWN or UP defeating the front to rear level.  

 

Please help a confused sole ! 

[lynnmor 7,672]

You may not have the deck mounted correctly, check that the fork engages the rod in the hitch.

 

I have seen some bind and not immediately have the nut go to the trunnion, drive a bit and recheck.  That rod and trunnion are also subject to a lot of wear, maybe that is causing the binding.  Also, oil all moving parts so they move more freely.

[JoeM 8,097]

I've seen when the deck is in the raised position the nut loose. Caused by the front of the deck raising up before the rear. 

The nut should be uptight when the deck is lowered, on the ground, with play in the lift rod. 

[Tonyp 285]

Thx for the  responses. 

 

First off,    the deck is operating fine  I'm just not certain of the correct position of the trunnion adjust.  

 

-Yes the fork is in the right position , I'm very well aware of that.

 

-According to the adjustment guide, the deck is supposed to be half way down ( middle lift position) when making adjustment.  So 'Ill do that with a level. 

 

I always cut in the highest position or 1 notch below, never  in the mid height  position . 

 

The 42 " deck cuts at approx 3 inches at the highest  position.  I would like to have it cut 3.5 or higher.  I'm sorting this out now to see how I can gain 1/2 inch or more shy of 7" wheels , or maybe an extension for the 6" wheels.  Maybe I'll just put the LOW PROFILE 36" deck on this machine ( 315-8)  which allows a tad more lift and height.  This 42 Rear Discharge is a beast !   

 

Thx all -  more to come

 

 

 

 

Edited May 30, 2022 by Tonyp

[Jeff-C175 7,206]

2 hours ago, Tonyp said:

42 Rear Discharge is a beast

 

Ever wrassle with a 48"  ?  It'll make you think the 42" is a lightweight!  

[lynnmor 7,672]

34 minutes ago, Jeff-C175 said:

 

Ever wrassle with a 48"  ?  It'll make you think the 42" is a lightweight!  

You’re not a man till you do a 60”.

[Tonyp 285]

I raised the 42 up by 1/2 inch by adding a LIFT  hole on the lift  arm , I leveled the hi point with the trunnion adjust , the front is NOT lower than the rear  which I see is the purpose of the trunnion adjust. I believe the leveling instructions should be to adjust the front/rear trunnion at the normal height you cut, not half way down on the lift arm , 

 

I have a spare 36" rear discharge deck which has a much lower profile. I will be putting that one into service very soon.  I believe I can get a tad more cutting height out of the lo profile deck. 

Edited May 30, 2022 by Tonyp

[JoeM 8,097]

9 hours ago, Tonyp said:

-According to the adjustment guide, the deck is supposed to be half way down ( middle lift position) when making adjustment.  So 'Ill do that with a level

that is just a general adjustment meant to cover the range of wheel heights. If your cutting on the higher settings adjust it at those settings. 

I like the front of the deck to be slightly lower than the rear. I've gotten the best cut there. Sometimes you have to play a little with that adjustment. The grass in different areas of the country, makes a difference too.

I just adjusted a RD deck and measured the blade heights, and it was 2 3/4" on the second to last notch. 

Your spot on getting more height, larger wheels, extending the wheel tabs. I had an xi deck that cut to low and I remember drilling an additional hole in the fan plate. I think I had to knock off the stop.

[Tonyp 285]

On 5/30/2022 at 6:56 PM, JoeM said:

Your spot on getting more height, larger wheels, extending the wheel tabs. I had an xi deck that cut to low and I remember drilling an additional hole in the fan plate. I think I had to knock off the stop.

 

 

I did have to knock off the stop on the lift plate,  well make that "cut it off" .    I'm at about 3.5 inches now  I sure would like 4. but this is acceptable. 

 

My KEYES  Walk Behind can give me 4.5 inches but I can't convince my wife to use that mower !   The 315-8 , which is for Lawn Duty , is her pal !  

[Blasterdad 3,044]

On 5/30/2022 at 6:56 PM, JoeM said:

that is just a general adjustment meant to cover the range of wheel heights. If your cutting on the higher settings adjust it at those settings. 

I like the front of the deck to be slightly lower than the rear. I've gotten the best cut there. 

I set up my decks the same way. First I park on the shop floor that I know is level, Then position the blades facing front to back.

Second I use about a 6" piece of old yardstick & adjust the front of the blades 1/8" lower than the rear.

I.E front of blade 2 1/2 " rear of blade 2 5/8". It's kind of a PITA laying down to do it but works well.

Just did my 48" deck after putting new blades on it, mows beautiful !

I also check blade height to deck when changing blades, the center spindle on my 48" deck was bent backwards when I got it, ( PO must have hit something with it ), had to true the deck surface to get the blade even with the deck. The first time I mowed with it I noticed the center was almost scalping to dirt, ( was 1" higher in front than back ).