1200 QL mule drive dis-location?

[rickx]

I just picked up this 1200 Quiet Line. I am trying to figure out why the mule drive is out of position. The deck does operate when the PTO is engaged. Any ideas?

[Alvy]

I'm assuming it's not locked in at the front where the quick disconnect lever and latch is located? Get the belt tension off and see if you can lock it in, needs to go back further and looks like you only have one Frankenstein bolt and other one is different. My 108 had this problem because PO put a big grade 8 bolt through from axle pivot in stead of correct pin and mule was hitting it not allowing for it to go back far enough

[darkminion_17]

From what I can see,it is prolly mounted to the wrong way,most likely the pickle fork is on the rockshaft instead of the foot rest supports.

[bocephus1991]

Yeah back the belt tension off take the belt off the pto on the engine release the quick latch on the front and see if you can get the back pushed up in there . I have push mine on with my feet most times, they can be a devil to get on there. Like others said looks like May b a bolt in there instead of a Frankenstein bolt, if so be best to get the correct bolt for it. Prob be best least how I do it is detach the deck then put mule drive/ deck hanger on first, then reattach the deck.

[rickx]

Thanks for the great ideas, Guys! I hope to work on it tomorrow.
Looks like it may just not be pushed back far enough - The pickle fork IS on the foot rest support, JUST BARELY! Thanks again, I'll let you know how it goes.
rick

[rickx]

The mule drive went back into position without any trouble. I removed the deck first. Tomorrow I plan to remove the deck blades and sharpen, and balance them. I have a little "play" in all three spindles, Is this normal?
Thanks,
rick

[bocephus1991]

Great! Glad to hear you got it on there! Thats the only way I have ever found to get the mule drive on is to take the deck off. As old as your deck is a little play is to be expected. How do they spin with out the deck belt on? Do they drag? Feel like they turn rough? When you take the blades off look and see if the bearing is still sealed. If it all looks ok and theirs not alot of play in the bearing grease it up and give it spin. I would give it about 10 pumps,make sure the grease zerks are clean first(wipe off with a rag) If a zerk pops out on you you can try and get it out of the grease gun tip,but probably not in one peice,so new ones are 3/16 in size. I had one on my 1211 come off a couple weeks back.

[rickx]

Thanks Brian,
The bearings turn smoothly and I gave them 10 pumps each - good guess, Huh? The threads are pretty rough on the center spindle, so fingers crossed. I won't get to test it until it stops raining, but all looks good and my deck belt now lines-up perfectly with the pulleys below the PTO pulley!

[bocephus1991]

You mean the threads on the spindle are worn or rusted? Clean them up if so and see what they look like, maybe ok. Try the nut and see how it fits if it will tighten. If not will need a different spindle. I wouldn't give it 10 pumps every time you mow , suggested that because prob been awhile since they have had any grease just a few every time or every other time you mow.

[Cubby guy]

I have a 38A mower under my 800 QL. I give the spindles 2 or 3 pumps of grease every 4th mowing. Seems to be about the right amount of grease for my machine. Your Mileage Will Vary