Although this video has been out a while, it is very timely right now as America is undergoing economic distress due to Covid 19. The culture of toss aside and buy a new item no longer is relevant in a world where 40 million people in our country are unemployed, food lines stretch for blocks, and shortages abound of basic necessities. There's a lot of good sense in repairing and continuing to get more life out of items that can still be made to function again. As you say, its a lawn mower, not a work of art. Welding doesn't have to be beautiful. It just needs to be functional. Appearance isn't important. What matters is not having to spend a lot of money to buy a new deck. Great video. Thanks for sharing it.
I just finished a restoration on a Turf Pro (MTD) 18.5 h.p. X 42: deck. I sand blasted the bare deck, welded up the two holes left by the previous owner's carelessness had it powder coated semi gloss black, new blades, new spindle (w/ grease fittings) , and new belt. I had to fab a new belt guard as the previous owner misplaced it. She cuts now!!!!!!!
it is, a rust neutralizer/converter would have been a great thing to do before painting. along with a wire brush in a drill to save some time. get it clean, stop the rust, protect with paint
Thanks for the video. I have an old Signature 2000 that I got for free. I just got it running and now it's time to fix up the deck. I have some rust holes also. Your video was a great help!
I liked the video, but I wanted to see how you reattach the deck. My deck is wobbly so I must redo it. I just bought a used MTD lawn tractor so I am trying to whip it into shape for my lawn service.
Jeff- good video and good channel. Subscribed. I'm new to garden tractors and riding mowers, and it is interesting to me how similar the decks are from one brand to another. Different belt routing and configuration, but the components are a lot alike.
At Eliminator Performance they save old rusted scrap decks and plasma cut out the good sections then when they get a customer needing a deck repair easy peasy just cut out the bad section and fit in the piece from cut out good sections from scrap decks, MIG weld, blend in welded seam and just like new nobody can even tell the deck was patched.
Instead of scrubbing, use a pressure washer on a sunny day. Let it dry out. Use rust kutter, rinse and let dry. Then patch and brush on por15. Good job on the video, thank you!
Why not sand blast it nice and clean...definitely with the amount of work to do it would be the best way to go in saving time and labor...a home sandblast equipment would work....
Thanks for the video. just repaired a 42" troy bilt deck that had rust holes in it. If anyone is interested; I found that the tubes of SteelStik epoxy putty works wonders in repairing rust holes. The biggest hole I repaired was about 3 inches in diameter. Shape the steelputty before it is almost cured then the final sanding is easier.
If you can do this my 15 year old John Deere should last forever. I changed out the spindles last year. Next up is a Briggs engine with lots of oil leaks.
Hi Jeff Just found your videos on the tube . love every one really cool .I like to see things dont all ways go the way they should. Im trying to teach myself how to trouble shoot motor problems and fix them. A lot of it is common sence .how to trouble shoot is the hard part.
Ive got two new bearinghouses on a TS38 husqvarna but the bolts dont fit in the aluminium bearinghouse.do i have to make somekind of screw into the holes.where the bolts fit in ?
I have an old MTD Yard Machine , I think it is a 97 model . It is a 12.5 / 38" with a badly rusted deck . The spindles are falling through ! I am looking for a deck to replace it but not having much luck finding a 38" that I can afford . Can you tell me if a 42" or other size will fit it and if so are the belts the same . It has been an unbelievably dependable machine and hard to replace .
A lot of them will enter change Just look at the mount brackets I have put 42 in place of 38 on several mowers over the years You can even remove mounting brackets and weld them in place
Use 6 point sockets, not 12 point. Then you do not have to worry about rounding the points off the nuts and bolts. They will come off easier, or break off. If they break, the hardware store usually is just down the road (it is for me, anyway).
Jeff, I have a Western Auto Lawn Tractor - 12.5 hp, 42" cut. Can you give me parts numbers for the upgrade you are working on? I recognize the deck, but they say it is too old and nothing shows up when I googled it.
Hi Jeff how are you doing first time on your page. I'm kind of disabled now and I can't do a lot of work anymore so I like watching guys like you were restoring things, this is way cool. But why are you working in the dirt?
I mean to use the word “ Restoration “ in the video might be the wrong word to use..People that restore items would probably not like the fact you use that word in this particular Repair ! I think that’s the word your looking for ..getting it in a working state more like it..Now if you can Restore those magical looking slippers you are wearing now we’re talking ! Thanks for the video.
In a spindle, if you hear anything while rotating it, or see any play from the shaft, the bearings are bad and should be replaced. Also, you make too much work for yourself. Use penetrating solvent a couple of days before you try to take the bolts out of anything, spray every day and don't be so stingy with the solvent. You might use some body putty on the rusty surfaces to smooth and strengthen the deck - it will look better, too. Replace both spindle bearings, they are both ruined.
What belt size I'm in jam .. mower said 38 inch cut but the deck is a 42 inch cut and I can't find a belt for it I stuck it under my other mower that's 38 inch cut and I noticed the belt just was not long enough then that's when I measured the blades
@@JeffsLittleEngineService found it but im going back with a 38 inch deck out of a 2000 yard machine its the same as my 90 task force just different spindles same belt same hanger brackets
37:50 to help keep the rust from spreading!!!!!! hahahaha,,,, the only way it could spread more would be to jump to the mower itself, that deck is 100% rusted.
IF YOU DONT MIND MY 2 CENTS ANY RUST HOLES THAT SIZE I USE BRAZING ROD FILLING THEM THEN GRIND FLAT AND YOU CAN FEATHER IT IN .WILL NEVER RUST THERE AGAIN THE RODS ARE CHEAP ENOUGH HOPE THIS HELPS
I think if you have spent that much time cleaning and disassembling that deck you should practice your welding skills further so you can do the job right by repairing all the holes and weak points in the deck. I was going to bad mouth you but did laugh when you said don't laugh at my welding so take my advice practice, practice, practice and you will have better results to show your customers when they have a repair for you to do!
They are good decks, been keeping the cancer down on mine from 1995. Third set of bearings. Old girl runs good.
good ol MTD!
I use 150 brging a year and hardly ever buy new spindles unless customers request them
Although this video has been out a while, it is very timely right now as America is undergoing economic distress due to Covid 19. The culture of toss aside and buy a new item no longer is relevant in a world where 40 million people in our country are unemployed, food lines stretch for blocks, and shortages abound of basic necessities. There's a lot of good sense in repairing and continuing to get more life out of items that can still be made to function again. As you say, its a lawn mower, not a work of art. Welding doesn't have to be beautiful. It just needs to be functional. Appearance isn't important. What matters is not having to spend a lot of money to buy a new deck. Great video. Thanks for sharing it.
thanks for the thoughtful comment
Give Jeff a thumbs up guys.
Thanks friend!
I just finished a restoration on a Turf Pro (MTD) 18.5 h.p. X 42: deck. I sand blasted the bare deck, welded up the two holes left by the previous owner's carelessness had it powder coated semi gloss black, new blades, new spindle (w/ grease fittings) , and new belt. I had to fab a new belt guard as the previous owner misplaced it. She cuts now!!!!!!!
Excellent, nice work!
It’s easy to get a year behind at our age. But as long as we’re kicking that’s what matters the most
Jeff dude , get a couple of saw horses and put the deck on it to work on lol
Good advice my man
in our throw away culture its nice to see some restoring going on!
it is, a rust neutralizer/converter would have been a great thing to do before painting. along with a wire brush in a drill to save some time. get it clean, stop the rust, protect with paint
Jonathan Rogers, or some electrolysis... with that much work, it could save some work. Oh, and a grinder with wire cup.
Good job Jeff. I enjoy these videos on saving old rusted machinery. cheers
Nice I love my mtd and am doing the same thing now great video
Thanks for the video. I have an old Signature 2000 that I got for free. I just got it running and now it's time to fix up the deck. I have some rust holes also. Your video was a great help!
I liked the video, but I wanted to see how you reattach the deck. My deck is wobbly so I must redo it. I just bought a used MTD lawn tractor so I am trying to whip it into shape for my lawn service.
I really enjoyed watching this video for some reason. Your very calming but, you robbed us of your blade selection and sharpening.
Jeff- good video and good channel. Subscribed. I'm new to garden tractors and riding mowers, and it is interesting to me how similar the decks are from one brand to another. Different belt routing and configuration, but the components are a lot alike.
Welcome to my "ol skool" repair channel!
At Eliminator Performance they save old rusted scrap decks and plasma cut out the good sections then when they get a customer needing a deck repair easy peasy just cut out the bad section and fit in the piece from cut out good sections from scrap decks, MIG weld, blend in welded seam and just like new nobody can even tell the deck was patched.
Man, I don't believe this guy. 6 minutes is all I could take.
lol!
Good job that deck looks better then the one I have lol.
thanks for watching
I thought you were actually going to pull the bearings apart and grease them or replace them.
For those w/o access to a welder, JB Weld is a great 2ed option. As for the rust, I typically use
Thanks for the comment, I was actually wondering that. Just yesterday I used JB Weld for a few very small holes on my John Deere deck.
Use acetone and ATF mixed 50/50 mix. It's the best penetrating oil I know of. Also use heat too.
HF little sand blaster works great for this if you’re going to primer it very heavily and paint
I have been thinking about getting one. Thanks for the tip!
Instead of scrubbing, use a pressure washer on a sunny day. Let it dry out. Use rust kutter, rinse and let dry. Then patch and brush on por15. Good job on the video, thank you!
good tips!
Why not sand blast it nice and clean...definitely with the amount of work to do it would be the best way to go in saving time and labor...a home sandblast equipment would work....
Awesome video! I love doing the same thing.
You have a new sub! 🦅🇺🇸
Thanks 👍
Thanks for the video. just repaired a 42" troy bilt deck that had rust holes in it. If anyone is interested; I found that the tubes of SteelStik epoxy putty works wonders in repairing rust holes. The biggest hole I repaired was about 3 inches in diameter. Shape the steelputty before it is almost cured then the final sanding is easier.
sometimes you gotta go with what you got! good job!
Jeff I always enjoy watching your vids..............Keep up the good work!
build 2X10 BENCH SAVES ON THE BACK AND LOSING STUFF IN THE GRAVEL GREAT VIDEO IF THIS CAN BE FIXED THEY ALL CAN BE FIXED
Jeff I’m not trying to be a ass hole but dam you do everything the hard way 😢😢😢
I watch just to watch the hell you go thru😊😊😊
LOL! yes I often do.....
For severely rusted bolts, try heating them with a torch, that will usually break them loose.
great tip! I use fire too on occassion!
If you can do this my 15 year old John Deere should last forever. I changed out the spindles last year. Next up is a Briggs engine with lots of oil leaks.
Nice video. I'd suggest investing in some work benches and wire brush wheels and soaking everything in WD40 overnight.
Nice job
Great video, thanks for making it. One question, why use hand wire brushes instead of a wire wheel on a grinder or drill/driver?
A wire wheel is a good idea! I don't own a good one
Hi Jeff Just found your videos on the tube . love every one really cool .I like to see things dont all ways go the way they should. Im trying to teach myself how to trouble shoot motor problems and fix them. A lot of it is common sence .how to trouble shoot is the hard part.
thanks friend, it gets easier if you keep trying! Fuel delivery problems are the most common.
Question: Can you use Never-Seez on the mounting bolts or are you suppose to go thru all this agony again in 2-3 years?
Yes! Never-seez is a great idea!
Jeff great video I needs to see that but man you need a work bench or at least a few saw horses
I need more workbenches for sure! I like the sawhorse/plywood idea
Ive got two new bearinghouses on a TS38 husqvarna but the bolts dont fit in the aluminium bearinghouse.do i have to make somekind of screw into the holes.where the bolts fit in ?
I have an old MTD Yard Machine , I think it is a 97 model . It is a 12.5 / 38" with a badly rusted deck . The spindles are falling through ! I am looking for a deck to replace it but not having much luck finding a 38" that I can afford . Can you tell me if a 42" or other size will fit it and if so are the belts the same . It has been an unbelievably dependable machine and hard to replace .
All decks and belts are different between models
A lot of them will enter change
Just look at the mount brackets
I have put 42 in place of 38 on several mowers over the years
You can even remove mounting brackets and weld them in place
Good job
A wire wheel on a drill knocks that rust off pretty well. Just wear a dust mask. I just redid my john deere 42 inch deck.
Good tip!
Use 6 point sockets, not 12 point. Then you do not have to worry about rounding the points off the nuts and bolts. They will come off easier, or break off. If they break, the hardware store usually is just down the road (it is for me, anyway).
very good advice!
how do u like pulling that deck tension spring in the back ,those are always a struggle,
I agree!
42:03 sounds like Alvin and the Chipmunks being murdered
LOL!
Great job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff, I have a Western Auto Lawn Tractor - 12.5 hp, 42" cut. Can you give me parts numbers for the upgrade you are working on? I recognize the deck, but they say it is too old and nothing shows up when I googled it.
Ebay has all the parts new spindles just go on and search mtd 38 42 deck
@@jimmycarter9099plus the bearing is 6203 for spindles
Hi Jeff how are you doing first time on your page. I'm kind of disabled now and I can't do a lot of work anymore so I like watching guys like you were restoring things, this is way cool. But why are you working in the dirt?
Hello! I have soooooo many mowers around my place and current projects that all of my work tables are usually full!
I
LOL The only thing missing is a banjo !
Good tip! LOL
I mean to use the word “ Restoration “ in the video might be the wrong word to use..People that restore items would probably not like the fact you use that word in this particular Repair ! I think that’s the word your looking for ..getting it in a working state more like it..Now if you can Restore those magical looking slippers you are wearing now we’re talking ! Thanks for the video.
lol! you are right this not a full "restoration". This video drives some people nuts!
In a spindle, if you hear anything while rotating it, or see any play from the shaft, the bearings are bad and should be replaced. Also, you make too much work for yourself. Use penetrating solvent a couple of days before you try to take the bolts out of anything, spray every day and don't be so stingy with the solvent. You might use some body putty on the rusty surfaces to smooth and strengthen the deck - it will look better, too. Replace both spindle bearings, they are both ruined.
good tips!
What is the market value of a rebuilt mower like that?
$400-$500
Stevey wonder could have done better !!!!!
Good Vid. You definitely need some automation.
Im presently building my shop. Amazing how much $5000 can buy. I do it $100 at a time.
It took me years to be able to afford it and to know what tools I actually needed for small engine repair
le dessous en matt de verre et résine polyester cela protège et bouche les trous en plus l'herbe adhère beaucoup moins .
What belt size I'm in jam .. mower said 38 inch cut but the deck is a 42 inch cut and I can't find a belt for it I stuck it under my other mower that's 38 inch cut and I noticed the belt just was not long enough then that's when I measured the blades
you need to get a part# to get the correct belt
@@JeffsLittleEngineService found it but im going back with a 38 inch deck out of a 2000 yard machine its the same as my 90 task force just different spindles same belt same hanger brackets
I like it
I've got a 96 yard machine 42" cut . Does anyone have a part number for the deck belt?
I might have it in my notes
Will look to night after work
Model number would help alot
37:50 to help keep the rust from spreading!!!!!! hahahaha,,,, the only way it could spread more would be to jump to the mower itself, that deck is 100% rusted.
Jonathan Rogers more like 80%
IF YOU DONT MIND MY 2 CENTS ANY RUST HOLES THAT SIZE I USE BRAZING ROD FILLING THEM THEN GRIND FLAT AND YOU CAN FEATHER IT IN .WILL NEVER RUST THERE AGAIN THE RODS ARE CHEAP ENOUGH HOPE THIS HELPS
Great tip! Thanks
we all have to help each other out once in a while my friend @@JeffsLittleEngineService
the bell signaled lunch time
MTD:
Machines (Mowers)That Die
Making Terrible Devices
Meet The Devil
I like MTD! lol!
I think if you have spent that much time cleaning and disassembling that deck you should practice your welding skills further so you can do the job right by repairing all the holes and weak points in the deck. I was going to bad mouth you but did laugh when you said don't laugh at my welding so take my advice practice, practice, practice and you will have better results to show your customers when they have a repair for you to do!
If I'm replacing a Deck Spindle I purposely break all the bolts off. They are NOT worth reusing.
Don’t unbolt them, take top nut off and it with blade falls out bottom
you can buy that deck for under 50 bucks all day..why send all that time?
I can not find them for $50.00 around where I live.
Boy. This is not restoring, its painting rusted old crap...
I'm sorry but that deck is garbage.