simultaneous deck and blade mount

2103 Views 7 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Bill.H, Apr 16, 2011

bobneumann

Discussion Starter · Apr 13, 2011

I recently bought a "late" case 442. (with the improved front bracket mount) It's my first Case, I had a Cub Cadet previously.

It has a front blade and a belly-mount mower deck.

I'd like to make it easier to use the blade, since I currently I have to pull the mule bracket to install the front blade bracket.

I haven't seen specific instructions, but as far as I can tell, to remove the bracket, I have to first unpin the deck from the "support bars", then slide the deck out, and finally remove the mule bracket and support bars. It's kind of a pain.

(I thought about driving over the deck/support bars/mule bracket, but I don't the deck is built to take the weight.)

My idea is to mount the mower deck more-or-less to the tractor frame, (fabricate my own tensioner/mule pulleys) so that I can have both the blade and mower deck installed at the same time. When using the blade I'd lift the mowing deck up high and tie/fix/bolt it in place so the lift can be attached to the blade.

I'd still have to attach/detach the blade itself, but I could leave the deck installed. And if I wanted to, I could leave the blade installed all the time.

In any case, it would shorten the changeover time from mowing to scraping and back.

Anyone seen that done? Any advice? Good idea/bad idea?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

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Snotrocket

· #2 · Apr 13, 2011

I think once you get used to removing the attachments you'll find it's pretty simple. I can have my plow on in about a minute. Maybe 2-3 for the deck.

You can drive over the deck without a problem. It will just scratch your paint up a little if you care about that kind of thing.

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eBoyDog

· #3 · Apr 13, 2011

I wouldn't want my mowing deck to be exposed to whatever I would be pushing while using the blade, snow in the winter, dirt/rock in the summer.

The extra weight of the deck in the winter might offer better traction but taking the chance to ruining the deck isn't worth it.

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Hydriv

· #4 · Apr 13, 2011

I am a bit confused here so please help me out. Here is what I do understand.

You own a 442 that is either a 69 or 70 that does not have the Snap Fast pins but you do have the factory conversion brackets. You also have a Snap Fast snow/dirt plow blade that works just fine on the conversion brackets.

I am unclear about your deck. It sounds to me that you have the correct deck for the 442 (G deck) that needs the old bracket under the tractor to clip the mule bracket onto and all of that conflicts with the conversion brackets that hold the plow blade.

If that is correct, then I suggest that you sell the G-deck for whatever it will bring and find a H, J, K, L, M or N deck in either 44 or 48 inch cut width. No more fooling around with bracket changing. All of those decks are Snap Fast just like your blade is. And yes…you can lay down some wood on the grass and drive right over the deck when installing it. The deck is strong enough. And you can back over it when you want to remove it but you need to do this on the grass so that the deck stays put.

Some members have made mini-ramps to assist them in getting the front wheels to climb the vertical deck surfaces. I understand your frustration but having a deck and blade on the tractor at the same time is not a great idea. One or the other is always in the way.

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bobneumann

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 14, 2011

Ok you've all saved me the hassle of messing with it.

I'll just drive over the deck.

BTW I think It's a 72 with the new front pin style from the factory. I was just hoping to leave my blade bracket on all the time... But if I can drive over the deck, then I just drop the mule bracket and back up. I can handle that OK.

Thanks again,

Bob

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99flhr

· #6 · Apr 14, 2011

Snotrocket said:
I think once you get used to removing the attachments you'll find it's pretty simple. I can have my plow on in about a minute. Maybe 2-3 for the deck.

Takes me longer than that to thread the mower belt over the fan.

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Billygoat

· #7 · Apr 14, 2011

Maybe 2-3 for the deck.

I think he meant beers, not minutes on the deck. :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :trink: :trink:

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Bill.H

· #8 · Apr 16, 2011

Billygoat said:
Maybe 2-3 for the deck.

Click to expand...

I think he meant beers, not minutes on the deck. :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :sidelaugh: :trink: :trink:

That's the real solution! Sit on the deck and have 2 or 3 beers. Watch your teenage son mow the lawn with a push mower. :sidelaugh:

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