[Dirty Steve]

I had a few extra minutes today so I pulled the covers off the deck then removed it from the tractor. PO said they replaced the PTO 3 years ago. Said it was cutting out in tall grass. They got fed up and sold it.....to me.

The deck belt was twisted inside out and above the pulley grove on left side.

No rust holes in deck. Unfortunately both outside bearing cup holes are twisted causing the deck to be out of level. The blade tips are off nearly a half an inch in the center.

The theory on the PTO was troubling to follow. I finally discovered a possible problem.

Look at the double pulley.

The PO told me the pulley was new along with center spindle last year.

The pulley is upside down. The smaller diameter should be on the bottom!!!

Both belts seemed nearly new but both them have issues and just may be junk.

Not sure if the PO did their own wrenching or if someone else screwed up the pulley placement.

Leads me suspect the PTO clutch is probably fine. The engine to deck belt would not get tight enough on that smaller pulley. They said it would "cut out in tall grass after a while."

However, the deck is not as nice as I had hope. There are stress cracks in the usual spots. Gonna have to trade labor with my brother for some welding help.

Oh, and as always the dang idler pulley bearing is shot. Wish that was replaceable.