How To Remove The Mower Deck on a John Deere Tractor

A detailed, step by step, tutorial video showing exactly how to remove the mower deck on a John Deere Tractor (garden tractor) Mower.
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This is the 1st of 3 videos, showing how to remove the deck. The 2nd video shows how to replace the mower blades & the 3rd will show how to re-attach the deck.

[@TimeForYourMind]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. My daughter and I used your steps and was able to remove the deck in about 5 minutes. Your instructions are spot on, brief and great. Thank you again.

[@halloweendisplaysnowdogfun9016]

Excellent video. It was just what I needed to be able to remove the deck so I could replace my blades. And very good camera work.... it made it very easy to follow the steps. Thanks!

[@dirtydantv8386]

Thanks for the upload! I bent the mulch block plate on my LT 133 by running over a baseball that rolled into my path. Once I removed the deck I found the left blade was contacting the blocker. Easy fix and gave her a much needed clean out too!

[@JLSoftware]

Right after removing them, put the washers back on and pins back through their holes so there is no chance of misplacing them. It also allows you to immediately see where they are when you are ready to reinstall the deck.

[@DANDLINC]

That, is a great tip! Thx for watching!

[@thomasjacques7779]

Thanks

[@Troy-Echo]

I just put down three small plastic bowls, and put the items from each side and front in the bowls. It worked great until either my kid or one of the dogs dumped them over...guess my idea didn't work out as well as I thought. :0)

[@griffmcswine2714]

Thomas Jacques ñ

[@thomasm3783]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. I didn't have to go in blind. Got the deck off, sharpened blades & go it back on in no time.

[@Troy-Echo]

Ditto!

[@scirockalot8v]

Thanks for the video. I just received a 125 model and pulled the deck to weld one of the wheel brackets. Putting the deck back on I was left with a cotter pin without a home. Watched this video and knew where it went. It the one that hold the cable on the deck. Thanks.

[@monikawithakay]

Woohoo.... wish I could share a pic of just how disgusting the bottom of our mower deck was. I googled and found this. I’m in my 60s and female. This was so well done, I managed to remove it myself apart from a very stubborn over LARGE spring at the end. Hubby tried to remove it with no luck, till the only solution was to grind off a very small part at the end of it so we could unclip it. Huge thanks. Our mower was in desperate need of a clean . Thank you so much.

[@christopherappel6029]

Thanks, very helpful, basically the same as my L108, only I don't have those cam style attachments. This video really made this stage of the repair I was doing easy.

[@stevemichelson3934]

This video was fantastic! I had no idea how to do this but I had to not opnly replace the blades but also replace the belt that broke in mid-mowing. I can't say enough about how much I appreciate you taking the time to make this video in three parts! I so appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!!! You saved me lots of money and hard work to get my mower up into my trailer with two aluminum ramps! You Tube videos are the greatest!!!!!

[@DANDLINC]

I'm glad I was able to help! If this video saved you time or money, please consider supporting DANDLINC. paypal.me/DANDLINC Even the smallest amount goes a long way. Thank you and don't forget to subscribe!

[@wildbuck772]

Great video, very clear instructions. Thank You.

[@cjtillberg7905]

"Its my fault, I ran it over a stump" So did I yesterday evening! Its clicking and clanking now.. and one blade is grinding into the dirt. So glad to see this video! Thanks!!!

[@Ddronron1]

Good job; very good camera work and good explanation. Thank you very much.

[@sheilagarza5751]

Thank you very much... you explained everything step by step I enjoy your videos and I am now a new subscriber thank U again!!!!

[@Lightyear66]

Perfect & will be a great help for this weekend and some JD tlc.

[@marcmac8727]

Cant believe I did it thanks to this video. I am not a do it yourself kinda guy, but I gave it a try and I am shocked that I did it. Thanks!!! Great video!!!

[@terribletee56]

This is the best video I've seen on how to do this. I'm not nearly as scared as I was before. ;-) Thanks so much.

[@DANDLINC]

+terribletee56 Fantastic. Thx for watching!

[@kevinculpepper1310]

Absolutely awesome video. Thanks very much 👏

[@travisgolden184]

John Deere riding mower 160 replace blades

[@bobgleason9937]

Great job. I also am a teacher and found other videos on this subject incomplete. I needed to see clearly in order to make sure I hooked everything back up correctly. Thank you, thank you.

[@DANDLINC]

+Bob Gleason Thx Bob, glad I could help. KZbin can be helpful for DIYers. Feel free to support my channel and have a great summer!

[@jimwalkersmith6367]

Thanks for the video. I just did not know what to do with the "throttle cable" thing. now I do:) thanks

[@robinlong595]

Thank you! I ran over the hose and locked up the blades. While I was at it, I cleaned it up, changed the blades, and leveled it. Great tutorial 😀

[@tmgossett]

Excellent - very helpful - thanks?

[@R_Arizona]

Thanks for the video

[@MinhPham-iy1pr]

Thanks very much for your Video now I’m go to do remove the desk My John Deere L108

[@passthetunaporfavor]

You are the man. Thank you.

[@DANDLINC]

+passthetunaporfavor Love your screen name! LOL! Thx for watching and feel free to support my channel. Have a great mowing season!

[@gregmorse5997]

Great, concise video. Thanks! One thing I'd like to see is how (around 2:50) you would completely remove that cable. Do you release at the spring end?

[@rpeek]

Good video. Thank You..

[@alecharper515]

Thanks! I really appreciate the grunting sounds…😂. Kept it real.

[@ardalla535]

Part of initial maint is changing the transaxle oil and filter; so you have to remove the deck. This is a lot of work. Might want to keep that in mind if you are in your 60s and thinking of buying this yard queen.

[@johneppstv]

I just changed the blades on a d160. Only difference is the cable was not there but yea man I would not have been able to of done it with out this video. Thanks a lot.

[@troyb.4101]

Thanks for the video.

[@DANDLINC]

+Troy Brownrigg You're welcome. Thx for watching!

[@JustADad]

nice video, thanks for sharing

[@petezifchak6961]

The videos regarding the mower deck and blades was perfect. Do you have one for reassembling a Stihl FS 45 weed trimmer, specifically the trigger throttle housing and all of its springs?

[@ernestthomas5281]

you also can just lift the front of the mower high enough to unscrew the blade with the deck in place.

[@drumking241]

Just bought a used 115 auto and its in great shape except for the deck, it almost looks like it came from another one. first, lots of paint and rust so was debating on taking it out to repaint better but just found out that the right back main brace is rusted and is have half way pulled away from the deck, so now its going to have to come out and get rewelded, this will help immensely, thanks for posting

[@DANDLINC]

I'm glad you found my video. Thanks for the comment and good luck with your project!

[@drumking241]

@@DANDLINC Thank you Sir!

[@frankgessner]

Thank you for sharing. Did I detect some rust on the deck and, if so, how old is it?

[@markoldendorf5393]

Wow, you convinced me. I'll keep my 1986 sears lawn tractor running a few more years.

[@kinglangren]

I always just lift the mower up and don’t remove the deck but good info if needed thanks

[@lukasstorie2947]

Thanks vary helpful

[@T0mat0S0up]

I found it easier to wrench the blades off from underneath after driving the front wheels onto a couple of wheel ramps to lift it up. Granted I needed a couple of wood blocks to stop the blades turning as I wrench the central nut.

[@troyb.4101]

+T0mat0S0up It's the belt change part that prevents your concept. If only the blades needed replace. I hook a come along to the front and lift it almost off the ground. Then you have access to the blades only!

[@heather091209]

T0mat0S0up word to that floorjack in front hi as it'll go and impact them blades off and newones back on

[@farnthboy]

Greetings from Australia. These are a pretty common mower around here. I've changed the drive belt a couple of times over the years & haven't dropped the deck off the mower. The only parts I took off were the pulley covers. I just dropped the deck to the ground whist still attached to the mower & this gave me enough room to reach in & replace the belt - easy peasy.

[@user-sf9pq5ox7w]

i sharpen my blades from underneath with a high speed die grinder and burr bit. does a decent job for a lot less effort instead of removing blades.

[@29Suckit]

Dad shorts check, dad shoes check, dad getting some shit done check.

[@r.m.fletcher9691]

Excellent

[@barnyardaerials]

Just FYI.... Don't support the deck with blocks, drop the deck down so its supported by the ground and it makes reaching under easier because of more room as well as unhooking the linkages easier because there is less tension .

[@cldavis33]

+Barnyard Aerials (Tyler Hatton) Yeah, but....he did do it like the manufacturers manual says to, with the blocks...can't fault him for that right?

[@erroljenghis6632]

C Davis àqaaà

[@jakewalter3729]

Barnyard Aerials e

[@timwilson1840]

Barnyard Aerials why take it off,easier to put on blocks and take blades off and reinstall,3 nuts

[@nicolasmendoza276]

Nice job with John Deere tractor

[@DANDLINC]

Thx for the compliment and thanks for watching!

[@donaldpotts4028]

Great video of deck removal! Do you have one if your parking brake is stuck ? John Deere L120 ? Thanks Don

[@Jim-ee6pz]

Easier is to back up onto car ramps, then use a floor jack to raise the front end. Now your tractor is up high enough to get an impact underneath to undo the blade retaining bolts. NO need to remove the deck.

[@non.ya.business3610]

For safety reasons on my push lawn mower it says to disengage the spark plug, is there anything that should be done when working on a riding lawnmower?

[@melodyyells]

Thank for this video. Saved my day, for sure!

[@jamesb6505]

Great video.fixed my mower.thanks

[@DANDLINC]

+James B Glad to hear it James! Thx for watching! Feel free to support my channel. Have a great summer!

[@bobm916]

I made a creeper and put it under the housing and it slid right out. Also, if I remember right, once on the blocks/creeper, push the height lever down a notch or 2 to take pressure off the hangers and they will pull off a lot easier.

[@bob48219]

Wow, when did they go to that system? I have an old LX178 and they just have a bar in front and two spring-loaded pins rear that pull out. You would think a newer model would be as or even easier to change deck.

[@verinb9]

Give this man a 🍺! 👍

[@JSMZeez]

Would driving the mower onto car ramps allow you enough room to remove the blades?

[@iztheterrible]

John Deere has been learning from Craftsman. I had a nice 2001 craftsman 54in deck with kohler motor and changing belts was relatively simple. i now have an old used Dear John G100 with same engine and same 54 in deck. the point is that it seems like you have to take a crap load of nuts off and then pull off a giant spring , and that includes taking apart the steering linkage in 2 places. then when you put everything back together, it wont go back together easily. like everything is under tension and its a bear to line up everything. will never buy a JD riding lawn mower again unless i see the salesman easily remove and then quickly reattach the deck. oh and the john deere drive belt changing is a total cluster. the craftsman was very easy.

[@mtz3843]

thats alot of work to change the belt and to pull the deck out to change blades, so many other lawn tractors are so much easier to change, they thought things threw, but john deere just didnt care.

[@MrStarlight11]

One thing that would help me would be a clear picture of the belt and how to route that hummer. Mine got twisted and it's not clear how the thing goes back on correctly.

[@ronsmith8434]

good video. I suppose I could sharpen my blades using this removal technique? thank you

[@troyb.4101]

+ron smith You can order like six blades for 39.00 why bother. Beside the blades wear down making them shorter. My lades were like 3/4 shorter after 40 hours of hard use!

[@Troy-Echo]

Wouldn't it be easier to put the blocks down, then lower the deck to remove the weight from the mower? Or lower the deck to the ground (maybe with a single 2x4) so you have more room to work?

[@winter128]

The front pin that was removed on the deck at 3:40.... anyone have any idea what part number this is? I broke mine(when smashing into a tree) and need to replace it. Thanks!

[@clydeburkey]

Is the same steps for a john beers la115 ?

[@suspecttatanka7128]

hi, I have a problem after reassembling the blade plate and belt the John deere no longer starts, as if there was 1 safety activated. I turn the ignition key and show no signs of life. ok 12v battery.

[@garytompkins6955]

Oddly enough, I have reassembled mine and I now have an extra 'cotter' pin! It's the same size as the ones that attach the metal bars/support arms. I did some work on the deck but I have no idea where this left over pin goes! Ha ha!

[@K4AX]

The cable that engages the PTO?

[@FaceOfGod2]

Is there not an easier way to change my blades? Can jacks or those portable car ramps be *safely* used to gain access to the blades? I'm not at all confident about dropping my deck and then getting it back together due to past bad experiences with other tractors. My owners manual just says to bring to an authorized John Deere service center, which is not an option for me. Thanks for the info.

[@DANDLINC]

That sounds a bit more dangerous. The procedure is not really too difficult. The first time will be the weird one....just think back to your first oil change when you were 16...a big deal then...now you can do it without even thinking. Thx for watching!

[@michaellanphere7516]

I have a husqvarna Lawn Tractor and I change the blades by using a small 2 Ton floor jack to get the front of the tractor up. Then release on to two jack stands. I then put a block behind the rear wheels. I can now reach the blades and change them out pretty easily. About a 15 minute job.

[@granttilleysr9906]

I have a JD-LT 133. Hit a stump and deck dropped. I did get deck back up by putting the lift handle at bottom into a hole i found in deck. My issue is i cannot figure out how to make the deck "lock" while up like it used too. I see a flexible piece on the bottom but can't figure out how to put all this in proper place can anyone out there help me. thanks

[@theadamwilcox]

dandlinc is this as easy as it looks pondering if its worth doing havent greased spindles since buying mower maybe 10 years ago

[@DANDLINC]

Not easy, just not hard. I'm going to grease the spindles soon.

[@snorman1911]

I was envious of the drive-over auto connect decks but after seeing this removing the deck on my X530 seems like a breeze!

[@kartboarder22g17]

+snorman1911 Hey when did they come out with drive over auto connect mowers? I am looking for a used one 300 series?

[@snorman1911]

+Kartboarder22G They've been out for a while but only on the higher end tractors. If I'm not mistaken, they are available only on the 1 series tractors and above, not any of the garden tractors.

[@deeremaster4457]

+snorman1911 They do make them on the x700 garden tractor series

[@snorman1911]

+DeereMaster445 Ah ok, I hadn't seen any X700s with them.

[@stevejames3292]

That's a lot of work to swap out blades. The way I do it takes about 10-15 minutes tops. On Deere 245, I change the blades all the time by just jacking up the front with the same floor jack I use for my truck, wedging a block of wood to hold the blade (if you can t just hold the blade with your hand) and use an offset box end wrench (gives you a little more room) to loosen bolt. Blades pops right off. Put bolt and washer through new blade (making sure it's got the correct side down), hand tighten the bolt. I use the box end wrench to tighten the bolt as much as I can just holding the blade in my hand. I am pretty sure that running the mower locks the blades down from the natural rotation because they are always harder to get off the next time. I have 2 sets of blades and re-sharpen the ones coming off to reuse next time. You can sharpen them with a metal file or a angle grinder or a bench grinder. Just watch to make sure you don't get them too hot. If they start turning colors it's too hot. Have a bucket of water handy to cool them so you don't ruin the blade. And remember you aren't sharpening a chef's knife. They don't have to have even a remotely nice edge on them. Just sharp. They are going to get dull very quickly anyway first time you hit something. The

[@Troy-Echo]

True, it's easier to lift and remove than to remove the deck. I still followed his path because I got mine used and it needed to be cleaned.

[@stevejames3292]

@@Troy-Echo Very true. I did that once myself to change all the belts. It has to be removed to change the main drive belt. I like to keep the blades sharp and that method is too much work if your just touching up the blades.

[@Troy-Echo]

@@stevejames3292 No, not really. After watching the video, it literally took me about 2-3 minutes to get the deck removed, and I'm sure it would be a little quicker the next time. My issues the nuts holding the blades on have been in place so long they won't come off. I tried an adjustable wrench with no luck, then a socket, and it still would not come free. I'm trying to soak it in some spray to get them to break free. I even tried smacking the ratchet handle using a rubber mallet with no luck. If they don't come free tomorrow, I guess I'll have to go to a local shop and see if they can get them off using an impact wrench.

[@stevejames3292]

@@Troy-Echo I had the same problem the first time I removed them and I had it jacked up trying to get at them. I tried all the things you mentioned then I wedged a piece of wood in so the blade couldn't turn put 1/2" 6 point socket on it with an 18" breaker bar. Leverage is the trick. If that's not long enough use a piece of pipe to extend it longer. I once had to put a floor Jack handle on a beaker bar to get an axle nut off an VW beetle and have someone jam on the brakes. It called for 460 some ft lbs of torque but I broke it free using leverage. The blade nuts came off easily using the breaker bar. Needless to say I put anti seize on before I put them back on.

[@Troy-Echo]

@@stevejames3292 Thanks Steve! I have the old pipe that the Dish TV service was on from the previous home owner that will work perfectly for this. I'll give that a shot. I've had some spray on them for a few days so maybe the combination will do the trick. I had a block of wood bracing the blade in place too the other day, but no luck. I'll put something on the nut before putting it back on so it won't seize like this again. My 42" John Deere 100 Series (125) has 3/4" nuts and I used a six point socket as well and a rubber mallet with no luck. I'll take a shot later this evening and see if I have more luck.

[@davidpennington4599]

I always change them with the deck and everything attached, it takes me 15 minutes. I do like the fact you can clean both sides of the deck though.

[@FaceOfGod2]

+David Pennington Can you please share how you change your blades without dropping the deck? I really would rather not do this if another way is possible.

[@msmeganmole]

I never take the deck off. I put bricks under the deck 2 x 4 to block blade movement. Grunt and groan while I lie on the floor with wrench with a pipe extension for leverage and huff and puff till blade loosens. Tight quarters but for me easier than taking entire deck off. Nice video though. Thanks

[@jantrafas]

Can you drive the tractor with the desk removed?

[@garye99481]

My mower keeps throwing the belt therefore making imjpossible to engage the deck. Is there anything you might recommend? I only have about 5 hours on the present belt. How do I adjust the tension on the belt?

[@DTGrosz]

Ok found it - yhx

[@sherrymarley34]

The wheel broke off my John Deere L 100 deck. Is there anyway of welding it back on

[@DANDLINC]

The small plastic anti-scalping wheel?

[@jacksonk5308]

It depends. If just the wheel and not the bracket that holds in that's attached to the deck broke off, replace the pin/wheel. If the bracket broke off, I would say yes, you could weld it but i would be careful.

[@jefft4303]

Has anyone ever invented a more efficient grass collector than the top of a Deere 100 Series mowing deck? Not only does it suck grass in on top of itself from up to 50 yards away, it fiercely protects every blade it collects in those nooks and crannies, leaving no hope of ever dislodging it without a plasma torch. :-/

[@donaldpotts4028]

Parking brake stuck on my JD L120

[@lennyf1957]

Nice video, but there's one problem. All John Deere lawn tractors are not alike. Mine is several years older than yours and the deck mounting points I'm not even close to the ones on your mower.

[@MPC964]

Why not jack the mower up and have them rest on jack stands to change blades? Seems like there is an easier way.

[@bryanebbenga6811]

You know if you gave the model number the tractor to save a lot of time searching

[@rayb.868]

Harbor freight has a mower lift for a hundred bucks r and r blades in 5 minutes

[@ericchen6704]

I expect this mower will last several seasons with decent care. kzbin.infoUgkx1VWTrayKBdCKAjzAcZ_Eg4dhHTae3LkN also recommend Also, I ran across the problem with it not starting the 2nd time I used it. There is a safety switch which is pushed in by the chute or mulching piece being attached to the deck. I took the cover off and it wouldn't start. Put it back on, no problem. It takes only a minute with 2 easily accessible wingnuts and no tools. This mower starts up first crank each time and it is a joy to use. It also mows in reverse by putting the key to the reverse area after starting and pushing in the triangular button. It will stay in reverse mode until you turn it off. All in all, for my homeowner needs, I really like this mower-and at 70 bucks a cut here in Miami, it's already more than 1/3 paid for itself in a month.

[@hillorystanton7927]

Why take deck off?

[@foch41]

jesus they couldn't make it easier than this?

[@TimYorty]

what does Jesus have to do with it?

[@ethics3]

My old Wheel Horse with a 3 blade 42 inch deck has only one pin to pull and its easily accessible in the front of the deck. Even the belt tensioner is out in the open and only needs a push to remove the belt .

[@tomhardware2254]

That’s the hardest way to remove the deck. Set it to the lowest setting and drop the deck on the ground.

[@Michigan_Tactical]

You should've lowered the deck as well.

[@jman98956]

great video, very informative, but man, that camera shake while you were pulling the pins made me seasick

[@DANDLINC]

Yep....sorry bout that.

[@iztheterrible]

its easy to take off but not so much putting back on

[@puppygadget3189]

Couldn't a riding lawn mower lift make it so you wouldn't have to remove the deck to change the blade?

[@FaceOfGod2]

+Ron I want to know this too or any other means of changing blades without removing my deck. If you find out please let me know. What does a lift look like for these mowers? I couldn't find any. Thanks bud.

[@ahjohnson3720]

Lifts are available at Harbor Freight and also at Orschlen's Farm and Home. I have one and it works great!

[@philskype101]

not cotter pins they are R clips

[@jklein17]

Flat steel painted black.

[@rodhuckaba]

The home depot online is not a good place to order a mower. paid for one 3 weeks ago and cant reach anyone that knows anything about it . called home depot 10 times called Pape' john deere. in sandpoint a week ago and they said they had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. they lied. it's been sitting there for 3 weeks. still dont have my mower.

[@bilejones]

Come on guys, you are removing 4 pins from the lift arms - top pins so the arms lie on the deck and don't dangle and obstruct deck removal, one from the front sway bar, and taking the belt off the drive sheave. The engagement cable is a couple of things after the deck is half way out. It used to take me less than ten minutes and most of that was getting up off my shattered knees and staggering around to the other side- start at the ejection side so you only have to stagger once. Buy the biggest washers and pins you can find that fit. When I handed this off to my 12 year old I painted the relevant parts fluorescent orange and it became child-proof.

[@jimcalverley6776]

Lt133

[@Rebel-Rouser]

But you can replace the blades without removing the deck...

[@strebis6]

Wow, way to many pins! Who in the hell design this?

[@DANDLINC]

Lots of articulated points designed in so the deck can follow irregular terrain I suppose. Thx for watching!

[@grapefruitbird]

They're pins... they take 5 seconds to remove. And there's only 6 of them

[@olben1095]

Engineered for the average owner to call JD service rather than work on it themselves.

[@daryldavis5615]

As easy as that lol

[@williamgreen6321]

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO REMOVE THE DECK TO SHARPEN OR REPLACE THE BLADES..JUST RUN IT UP ON RAMPS. YOU CAN HOLD THE BLADES OR JAM THEM WHILE YOU REMOVE THE NUT. I CAN'T BELIEVE YOUR TELLING PEOPLE TO REMOVE THE DECK.

[@tomhardware2254]

william green I cant believe you don’t know how to type without yelling

[@michaelchal8018]

Not good you can tell you have no clue what you were doing just stop with the vids and do what you do best..working at a desk