mule drive cross member wear options

[1811woody]

This seems to be a common problem I have it on my 1811 and my 1863 and I'm just wondering what repair options I have. The problem is located where the mule drive/deck hanger assembly fingers pivot on the cross member (At the rear )this is a metal to metal contact point thus when you raise/lower your deck or just from your deck being on the tractor and there is vibration it causes wear. To add to the problem that cross member is welded to the tractor so what are some ideas to fix/repair this issue? Am I the only one that has this problem??
Thanks Doug

[Petrus]

You are not the only one who has this problem. My 125 that I recently purchased (I'm a first time Cub owner) has this problem with the right mule drive pulley arm (the one that has the spring). I have the quick attach mower deck lift assembly. I have been having problems with the mule drive belt jumping off. I don't know for sure if it is jumping off the spindle on the mower deck or if it is jumping off the mule drive pulleys, but I think my belt is old and has a lot of wear. I posted a "before" pic which was taken looking up from the ground towards the front PTO, and an after pic taken from the front. I used two hose clamps to hold an old screwdriver against the front of the right pulley arm.

My particular problem is that the pulley arm has eaten into the horizontal rod as a result of the twisting of the arm due to the spring vs. the belt. My fix has been able to force it back into a better position so far; I have still had the belt jump sometimes, but I have been able to mow my yard.

[mmzullo]

you have to replace the mule drive.Very common problem.

[samiam44]

picture would be helpful.

You can probably weld/braze or cutout and replace effected part. On the tractor frame, I'd guess welding and grind it flush. Should be a lot of movement here.
Could you force a piece of thin plastic tubing over it? Or steel or brass?

[1811woody]

Originally Posted by samiam44

picture would be helpful.

You can probably weld/braze or cutout and replace effected part. On the tractor frame, I'd guess welding and grind it flush. Should be a lot of movement here.
Could you force a piece of thin plastic tubing over it? Or steel or brass?

I did think about splitting a round piece of Teflon tubing and sliding it over the round bar I think thats the best short term option other then that just cutting the welds and making a new one to put in its place but I think the new one would be a bolt on.

[Matt G.]

A piece of plastic in there will probably just squish out of the way. It's not that big of a deal to cut off the weld holding on the rod, drilling a few holes in a new one, and installing it. Definitely not a big project at all.