1811 Questions

[Pucknut]

So this AM I grabbed the wrong set of blades... Go figure,

Got all 3 blades of this evening, and grabbed the grease gun to load the deck spindles. First one I do, the zerk pulls out in the gun... And then snaps in half with a piece still in the gun fitting I can't get it out.
Thanks for the advice on this one as it helped, now just to get the rest greased.

Steering seems 'loose' as in too much play in the steering wheel, but this appears to be the linkages being a hair loose, might try and tighten that up tonight, but for sure will do tomorrow.
Shawn

[Pucknut]

I don't even know where to start.
Simply put, I don't think ANY maintenance was done on this machine in the few years he has had it, besides maybe changing the oil.
The center pivot, and the 2 front axle turn joints seem to NOT have anything resembling grease. I shot some grease in there, and its steering miraculously got easier... Have a list of things to tear apart in the spring to clean and relubricate, just getting too cold now to worry about that.

My loose steering, that I thought was the linkage.... I don't think linkage any more. I tightened it 1 turn and the steering is not so loose any more, but now pulls right... Time to undo my last fix and rethink that one. I know there is some play from the steering gearbox, and I still need to get into that area and grease the hell out of it...

Mower blades... returned the wrong set today, and went over to TSC and they sold me a different set, thats still not the right set... I get to go take those back now. Anyone have a clue as to where I can get a set of 50" blades? I wish I could give deck model number, but the plate is so painted over that its nice and smooth... I have half a mind to drill the rivets out of that plate, and try to read it from the backside...

Also changed out the plugs today... No surprises there, both were in pretty sad shape, fouled with a grey colored buildup...

oh... the starter apparently likes to spin, but not engage... I HOPE some lube on the stupid thing fixes that problem...

[JayJay]

Pucknut: If you have a 1811 with a 50" deck, as measured across the blades from end-to-end, then you should have what is known as a 50C deck as depicted in the attachment.

In MTD CC parlance, it is known as P/N 190-359-100, or a "359" deck with parts as below:

Tag Part # Description Qty
1 742-3003 BLADE 17.2LG
759-3401 BLADE 17.2LG QTY-3
2 712-3018 NUT-HEX 3/4-16
3 736-3014 Washer, Flat, .781 X 2.0 X .105 - Hdn
4 737-3000 GREASE FITTING
5 703-1387 CUP-SPINDLE
6 759-3367 Spindle Service Kit - Center | (Includes Mtg. Hardware)
7 759-3293 Spindle Service Kit - Outside | (Includes Mtg. Hardware)
8 759-3226 HOUSING-SPINDLE W/
9 756-3008 4L V-Pulley, 4.62 OD X .75 ID
10 712-3026 NUT-HEX JAM 3/4-16
11 714-0135 KEY-WOODRUFF #91-1
12 759-3372 Shaft, Blade w/Fitting | (For Units w/o Lube Fittings Order Spindle Shaft Kit 759-3370, Includes Oil
13 711-3171 SPACER-0.755 ID X
14 721-3018 SEAL-SINGLE LIP OI
15 741-3028 BEARING CONE
16 741-3030 SPACER-BEARING TIM
17 756-3007 PULLEY-DOUBLE
18 710-0514 Screw, Hex Cap, 3/8-16 X 1.0 Lg GR5
19 736-0258 Washer, Flat, .378 X 1.0 X .127 Thk
20 736-0169 WASHER LOCK-3/8
21 712-3017 NUT-HEX
22 754-3005 BELT-V 1/2 X 85.5
23 703-0118 ARM KIT-DECK IDLER
24 756-3005 Pulley, Flat Idler
25 736-0185 WASHER-FL
26 712-3000 NUT-LOCK 3/8-16
27 738-3005 SHOULDER BOLT ASSEMBLY
28 732-3009 SPRING-TORSION
29 736-3015 WASHER-FL
30 736-0171 WASHER-LOCK 7/16
31 712-3019 NUT-HEX 7/16
32 712-3020 NUT-TOP LOCK
33 710-3024 Screw, Truss Hd, 3/8-16 X .75 Lg Not Available

All the "challenges" you have uncovered to-date are to be expected from a machine that hasn't been maintained. Regarding the blades, several users report good results with the "Gator" blades, although the length of the blades varies somewhat from the original dimensions. I'm not sure about the 50" decks, but I know that with the 44" decks the Gator blades are actually a bit longer than original, while the generic regular blades are too short. Longer will work, even if you have to grind some off --just be sure to balance them before installation.

When in doubt, go to the dealer with a part number or call one of the sponsors, they will know what you need. The dealer's knowledge varies greatly depending on who is behind the counter.

[Pucknut]

Jay, your a time saver for that information and printout. I just printed it for future reference.
Today my dad came out, and instead of showing off, we took pieces off.
Took the rear wheels off to check out the brakes, and freed them of gunk and rust. One pad has no brake pad on it, and the others are well worn, so I'll be relining those, then see if the calipers need to be replaced after I have a full brake pad on each side. The calipers looked like they had very little wear on them, so I believe relining will fix my lack of brake problems.
Since my newest blades do not fit, I gave the old ones a quick sharpen because I want to mow the leaves and lawn one more time before it gets cold, and installed them. Still believe they are the original blades.
We found a dead furry thing sitting next to the motor...

We put the brakes back together, and the tires back on and closed the engine up, and realized one of the front tires looked soft, not sure why, it held for days without losing anything... Filling that back up took care of the pull to the right, so that's one more issue down.

Jay, I know that these challenges are to be expected, it's just frustrating. More frustrating is finding the right manual for my machine. All I can find are the 1987+ manual for the 1811, and not a single one so far for the 1986, the first year before they changed the specs on it. Knowing I need a panel mount fuse holder and a fuse really doesn't do me any good without knowing what spec fuses and holder to put in.

If anyone can point me to where I can find the proper manual it would become a huge help.

Thanks
Shawn

[ajgross]

Shawn I have everything you need. I just sent you a PM for info.

AJ

[Dave01]

Shawn, by panel mount fuse you mean the main fuse? If so I think any holder will work ok that can handle a plug in 30 amp fuse. While I don't know for sure if the 1811 needs the 30 amp, you can easy enough put a 20 or 15 or whatever is needed in once someone here verifies.

[Pucknut]

Found out that after 3 hours of mowing this weekend, and hauling full carts of chopped firewood today that it burns oil...

[Pucknut]

Dave, AJ has me covered.
Thanks

[Pucknut]

Thanks AJ! I HAVE LIGHTS!!!
Well 3 lights as a tail light appears to be burnt out. And the new brake calipers will be going on tomorrow AM once I find the heater to throw in the garage on me as I work. That hopefully fixes the lack of brake issue (one of my kids laughed his butt off as the Cub decided to roll off on its own once I finished unloading 500 pounds of wood from the cart today, and turned to say something to him... Told him 'I forgot to set the brake'
Still smokes badly...
And anyone know the 'proper method to check the hydrostatic fluid level?

[_DX3_]

There should be a dipstick under the seat for the hydro. Pull it out and see if the fluid is between the upper and lower mark on the stick... Engine should not be running and the tractor on level ground.