[AT] mower deck coating

[Larry Goss]

Certain models of Skags are notorious for light frames.  I drove one at our church for about ten years.  It got to the point that I was having to weld the frame back together almost every week before mowing.  At one point, I hit a low curb with the edge of the deck and when it flexed two mounting lugs broke off the engine.  The engine oil drained all over the ground in a matter of seconds.  Supposedly, the Tiger model did not have that problem.  It wasn't that it was "rode hard".  It's just that the acreage was so rough that the frame couldn't take it.

BTW, this thread has contained some interesting comments.  In this age of concern about economy and gas prices, it might worthwhile to change some of our mowing habits.  Don't use a mower that is powered with turf tires.  You will save !/4 of your gasoline by switching to low lug high-flotation tires on the drive wheels.  You will also save significantly by never mowing when the grass is wet, and by sharpening the blades after every 10 to 12 hours of use.  If the tires show moisture off the grass when they roll over it, it's too wet to mow.

Washing a mower deck is a function of the brand of mower.  John Deere's are particularly bad about rust in the bearings if you wash the deck. Others are not.  It mostly depends on whether the spindle bearings have grease fittings -- and whether or not you use them.

If you want a mower deck that is self-cleaning, get one that is specifially designed for mulching.  Don't buy one that claims to be  "convertible".

Larry


----- Original Message -----
From: william.neff.powell at comcast.net
Date: Friday, September 19, 2008 7:27
Subject: Re: [AT] mower deck coating
To: Antique tractor email discussion group <at at lists.antique-tractor.com>

> I have a really old SCAG 61" hydraulic drive walk behind.. 
> Bought it used about 10 years ago. 16hp Vanguard Briggs vtwin. 
> Its held up well. Presently converting to electric start, pull 
> start on the 16hp has never been great.... Almost fried the 
> engine a few times due to either 1) Mice nests in the fins or 2) 
> Grass clippings in the fins... If I was not in tune with 
> performance I surely would have fried it up... If it starts 
> smoking out the valve cover under a heavy load I know there's a 
> cooling issue...
> 
> Have never really thought about coating the underside, good idea 
> though... The older SCAGS had week decks... Mine has been welded 
> several times. 
> 
> Some day I would like a ZTR, but for now I need the exercise. 
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Will Powell(PA)
>  -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Claudeprintequip at aol.com
> > Pam?
> >  
> > Everybody loves a smart a ...   I don't really know 
> but... 
> >  
> > I have a lawn mower question. 
> > I'm looking at a used ztr  Scag Tiger Cub,  with 
> 21hp Kawasaki  motor with 
> > 1400 hours. It's priced OK but has a lot of hours.   
> I  know the owner who 
> > bought it new and he said he has always done the 
> prescribed  maintenance and the 
> > only thing he had to replace was a starter solenoid or  
> something like that.   
> > Also there are a couple of dealers in the local  trade 
> area.     
> > Does anyone know about the reliability of these units? And are 
> they  
> > maintenance friendly and that sort of thing?
> > All answers graciously received, I think.
> > Claude
> > 
> > 
> > 
> > **************Looking for simple solutions to your real-life 
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