Finally got it done today!
Here's the "How-To"
1. The tools you will need:
*1 1/16" Socket and some method of turning it (I used my 3/4" ratchet since I don't have that size in 1/2 for my impact)
*3 Jaw Puller and method of turning it. (2 jaw would probably work OK too. I prefer 3 because it is less likely to bend up your old pulley coming off.)
*Junk 3/8 socket from your China tool collection, to put over the grease zerk on the spindle
*Some sort of penatrating oil (I didn't notice that was actually chain lube until I took the picture.. Oh well. It worked!)
*Anti-Sieze
*Chunk of 2x4 (I couldn't find a nice beat up and greasy one, so I had to use my "Sunday only" 2x4)
*(oh... and a 1/2" wrench/socket if you have to take your belt cover off... I leave mine off)
2. My 44A with the old pulley still installed and the new pulley laying on it.
3. A better shot of the two pulleys. There's a pretty clear difference between them. If you're unsure of which pulley your deck has, the "speed-up" pulley is the same size one both cogs, the "slow" pulley is not. It's that easy to tell!
4. Flip the deck over and stick your chunk of 2x4 between the center blade and the sheet metal lip. Make sure to leave your pulley belt on during this step because you can keep tension on the wood and keep it from falling out while turning the deck over just by grabbing anywhere along the belt.
5. Flipped over and my 1 1/16" Socket ready to go!
6. Nut came off nice and smooth... Was on with maybe 50 Ft-Lbs torque? Flood with spray oil to help pull slip off.
7/8/9. My 3 jaw puller (which used to be somewhat hard to find, mine is a Craftsman), my junk 3/8" China socket on top of the spindle (3/8" is the one that just wanted to sit there the nicest... happens to be 1/4" drive, though I doubt it matters), and the entire assembly ready for some torque! I chose to put the ears of the puller on the bottom of the first pulley. They didn't seem to want to slip around or anything and it worked well!
10/11. Popped right off with no drama. The old pulley did get bent up a bit, but nothing that can't be fixed.
12/13/14. Cleaned up the top of the spindle and the treads, then anti-seized the snot out of it. IMHO, you can't use too much anti-seize. Maybe next time I won't need the puller?
15/16/17. Pulley slipped right back on, tightened nut down to ~50FT-Lbs, put the belt back on and ready to work!
18. Deck back on the 149 and ready to MOW! (Sorry about the finger in the pic... I took that one with my phone since the real camera got put away w/the tools). Also, I don't normally roll grill-less..
I pulled it to get some extra working room to replace the PTO button and lost one of the springs. New springs are coming.
18a. No picture here, but I was able to use the belt that was on the tractor already, thought it is at the very end of its adjustment.
Impressions: EXCELLENT INVESTMENT. I took a video with my phone, but it really doesn't show you much so I'm not going to bother. Essentially, the thing just cuts way better now. The blades still do not seem to turn as fast as newer mowers, but they are clearly quicker and the difference while cutting is very apparent. I'm so happy with it I'm considering having an OVERDRIVE pulley made (3"?) to really get the blades singing!
Anyhow, if you think you want this upgrade, you DO! Makes a big difference!
