John Deere 400 60" Mower Deck Rebuild

#johndeere #isavetractors #gardentractors
In this video I take a 60" mower deck from a John Deere 400 and completely rebuild it. New Blades, Belts, Bearings, Gearbox rebuilt, wheels, paint, and some welding repair.
For the best in parts for your old vintage cast iron Kohler K Series engines visit: www.isavetractors.com
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@isavetractors
More Videos Featuring this John Deere 400:
Complete Restoration of John Deere 400
• John Deere 400 Garden ...
John Deere 400 Blowing Snow (Drone Footage)
• John Deere 400 Vintage...
John Deere 400 54" Snowblade Rebuild
• John Deere 400 Garden ...
John Deere 400 Suitcase Weight Bracket Build
• John Deere 400 Garden ...

[@Isavetractors]

Hey I'm Back! The COVID-19 Pandemic really set me back on time. Business Complications, Kids Homeschooling Now, World Falling apart. I got it back together and am back to doing regular projects! I hope you enjoy! I sure did enjoy being back where I belong. In the Shop!

[@Dirtanddieselphotography]

Hey Norman, just now I was wondering what happened to the channel, glad you are back.

[@asus12351]

Yeah it's been hectic for everybody good to see you Norman. Can't wait to see what you doo next.

[@Natethanastysnake666]

Glad to see you back!

[@Korahandherdad]

Great to hear!!!k

[@paulg444]

@@Dirtanddieselphotography hear, hear!.. great to hear you are back in action.

[@oldironsfury]

World falling apart is right, crazy times ! Thank you for slowing the world down with some rebuilding of old iron ! 👍

[@bryancovert9821]

Hey Norman , when applying heat to the bolts that hold the blades on , once you start to loosen them put paraffin wax on the hot threads . The heat will draw the wax in the bolt threads and won't pull them either . I've found that after you wire wheel the underside of the deck , paint on Rhino liner on it for good results ..

[@gardentractorgarage]

Couldn’t wait for this video!

[@johndeeregarage5339]

Right

[@bparsons72007]

I restored a 1984 kubota 60" belly mower but used sandblasting to remove rust and grime..... worked out way better than a grinder and flapper wheel. Good job on the restore.

[@ferrita76]

Hi from Spain. I'm glad you are back!

[@winki51z]

Nice work: I am doing a 60" right now. Instead of straightening and welding the left front anti-scalp runner; I put a wheel kit on the left front. Most newer, heavier decks like these have anti-scalp wheels on the left front too. I have another 60" with an added wheel kit and it works so much better.

[@javman6022]

very nice work! It's good to see people fixing up these old quality garden tractors.

[@RustyZipper]

It’s too nice to mow with now!

[@rydplrs71]

I was waiting for coffee to brew, but I guess I could have a beer while I wait. I was surprised the blade bolt wouldn’t come out. I don’t think I’ve ever fought one. Spindle bolts and gearboxes I have though. If my impact doesn’t get the blade bolts quickly I just grab a breaker bar and a pipe. The bolts holding spindles I just tighten until they snap.

[@brianr1812]

That is so awesome. I love your calm problem solving.

[@buckeyestatefarms9471]

Looks great man!

[@johndeeregarage5339]

Lookin good Norman can’t wait to see some working videos of her nice video 👍👍

[@TonyGeneseo]

Really truly enjoy seeing that you’re back in the groove Norman !! That deck came out great !!

[@danielprivate7442]

For what a JD400 and mower fetches in the classic tractor market, to think one goes unused because of broken shaft key and roll pin is amazing.

[@tommcmillan3143]

Good to have you back Norman! Great work on the restoration, I know your pain.... but very rewarding! Looking forward to other videos coming.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Dang, I love that thing!

[@nickwilliams1021]

Just started rebuilding mine labor of love thank you for your parts and videos my 400 runs great

[@robertjordan9075]

Awesome work Norman.😎👍🏽👍🏽

[@sampasch3381]

Man I wasn't sure when you would be back!

[@GaryT1952]

Great upload Norman! That was a lot of work...truly a labor of love. Can't even imagine how much time you had into that deck including research and chasing parts. 👍

[@tomgolden8996]

Looks great!

[@jakeschroeder1553]

"The roll pin and key both broke on the mower causing the owner to stop using it." Translation: He drove over a huge rock.

[@danielprivate7442]

I thought the same thing when he said it. They don't just break on their own.

[@MC-1173]

Great video Norm. Nice to see you wrenching again. The deck came out great.

[@jessegreco6818]

Great to have you back my friend! It sucks when you are doing it but it is amazing after the fresh paint. Just did an ARK 700 loader myself.

[@sparky72]

Good stuff as always 😎

[@btigenie]

Yay...you're back!

[@RetiredUnderachiever]

Great video! Would love to see one on the full restoration of the Hydrostatic system as it’s the driving power of all the attachments

[@juanelcazador300]

awesome

[@dudehere340]

I like your idea with putting angle aluminum in your vise jaws 👍

[@iwantosavemoney]

I just bought one of these for 100 dollars this awesome to see

[@MrThomasfouraker]

Thumbs up. So much of this video resonated with me. I have the exact 400 deck that works great, but the 420/430 deck I have suffered a similar failure. The roll pin on the output shaft broke and wollered the pulley hub and the shaft hole. Hoping I can weld and redrill each hole on the shaft and the pulley hub to save money. I appreciate John Deere keeping parts available for these tractors but they are very pricey. I have also had nearly the exact same dialogue with my wife when she was assisting me with projects. That made me laugh. Keep up the good work. I depend on your videos to help me with projects.

[@servihomestead4324]

Good golly, Norman, you really did have to use all the tricks in the book. It looks great and will have many more years of use now. I need to make myself some type of press like that.

[@dominique4822]

Salut Norman 😉 Franchement, un vrai plaisir que de visionner tes vidéos, ont à tous envie d'être à tes côtés pour bricoler 😅 Du très bon travail, bravo et merci 😉

[@RustyZipper]

I bought a 110v Harbor Freight Impact, Bauer brand maybe, just under $100 with a coupon. Man it’s really good at pulling stuck bolts / nuts or rounding them off. I’m not a fan of cordless impacts but I’ve seen Milwaukee’s new 20V ? pulling lug nuts from buses off like butter

[@williamriley2528]

You really went all out on the new components on your 60" Mower deck..Deck... but why not a nice set 60 " Deck Oregon G6 gator blades...??? (They're Oregon P/N 396-734 for my 60" 420 deck... and were $16.34 ea in a 6 pack on Amszon) They provide a totally AWESOME cut & mulching performance...!

[@gardentractorsandmore1072]

My 78 400 had completely rusted out spindle hubs on the bottom. I managed to get the blade bolts off with a smaller 14mm socket. I hammered that socket on there, and almost couldn’t get it off, but I knew a 9/16 would round it off from past experience. The carriage bolts on the spindles rounded off on the carriage side on the top, and I had to weld the bolt to the spindle, and then grind it off and drill another hole in its place. The spindles required a can of wd40, and a 15lb sledgehammer to get out. The inside of the deck under the pans was so bad, I just ended up using truck undercoating and tacking the rust holes. Blades were readily available, and bearings were too. Spindles, not so much. The machine had 649 hours, but it didn’t seem to look like it. I used some red oxide primer and the usual yellow spray paint, and clear coat. Baked the paint with a heat gun. I did the deck before the plow and mower, as it was the worst. I had around $127 into the deck.

[@robertogonowski9027]

Nice work!! in some places You should use also flat washers , not only spring washers

[@RustyZipper]

Good timing- I’m right in the middle of replacing the bearings in my new Simplicty 6512.5 48” Deck. I got stuck on getting the pulleys and upper bearings off and told my father to figure it out. He said he’ll use some clip on washers to create a solid pulling platform under the pulley.

[@wolvenar]

I have welded what is basically a very thick washer on to the pulley. Then you can get a good pulling point on that pushing against the inside shaft. Just be sure it's only as wide as you need to get a good pulling point, otherwise it will have to be even thicker or it bends.

[@owentimo]

Awesome job as usual. You need some pneumatic Impact guns for power!!! Love my 1/2" Earthquake from harbor freight.

[@hunter7476]

Hey man just e man I was looking at glad your back Norman i hope your business is doing good I might be getting a simplicity Sunstar to add to my collection I want to do a restoration I have 7 garden tractors total and this will be a nice piece I might get a 400 too and hopefully a 318 thanks for the video

[@hunter7476]

Hey Norman just the man I was looking for typing on my phone isn’t always the best

[@RustyZipper]

What model SunStar? The have a Deutz 1918 , which is the 18hp green brother

[@hunter7476]

Rusty Zipper it’s a hydro 20 by simplicity I know there are some diets it’s just painted different and re-branded

[@RustyZipper]

Hunter 747 - for $500 buy it! My Deutz 1918 is my favorite choice for pulling new projects onto a trailer. The hydro makes it easy to control and the 18 hp is tons of power when the tires are flat.

[@hunter7476]

Rusty Zipper ok I have to wait to get an email back from the person selling it before we can get it

[@ockamsrazr]

You would not happen to know what the part number is for that front driveshaft with the quick lock mechanism would you? I have the same deck and have jury-rigged that female spline end onto the PTO spline because the quick lock has broken. Thanx, great stuff.

[@johnparkhurst825]

As far as cost goes; You now have a deck that functions as new . A new deck costing at 1500 dollars , closer to 2000 dollars more likely . Well worth your efforts . imo.

[@dannyc7839]

Trying to find information for aftermarket spindle hubs for my 400 60inch deck. The ones from the later 420/455 etc look the same, but can't find anything if they will work. Great video btw

[@kennolte5801]

Great to see you back to your videos Norman. Like so many others, I have missed seeing what you were up to during this period of craziness. The 400 is a great tractor. I have two 420s that I use infrequently around my home. Did you get the new pulleys from JD or were you able to source them elsewhere?

[@johnpyle8027]

I restored a 430 Diesel last winter and I built a snow plow with snow feet for it from scratch. The reason I built it was through my search while restoring all the plows were trashed, expensive or a thousand miles away and needed the front end extension. It is all done and in the garage the plow works like a charm! When I take it out and put it on the concrete it WILL NOT slide! I've shimmed/tilted the blade but then the feet don't rest flat. Should the blade sit plumb or lean forward or can you think of anything I may be missing? Snow is coming and I need to get this thing ready! ;o)

[@dagorithe]

Looks great. How many cans of primer / undercoating did it take? How many cans of yellow?

[@charlottebritton2989]

I have a 60" mower deck needs a redo

[@kimber841]

Norman, I recently purchased a JD 400 and PF Engineering plans for a loader and possible back hoe down the road. Do you think the stock hydro pump is sufficient for running a loader or should I go through with purchasing the pump recommended in the plans? Love the channel, thank you for putting so much work into these videos, it shows.

[@danielauen7790]

I wonder if I can get a 60" for my dynamark, The deck it came with its slightly trashed.

[@rlld23]

I love your videos !!!! Just was wondering if you could do some videos on some performance mods for these engines. For example if its possible to increase horse power and compression? Stroker builds? Oil cooler mods like the commercial mowers use? Thanks

[@Isavetractors]

Performance mods is not my specialty. I will leave the competition builders make videos on that. This JD400 does have an oil cooler already.

[@davidgaylord2035]

and a big hand for the assistant

[@nathanbottjer6141]

Thanks for this video Norm! I own a restored 1975 400 and i only have a deck with no top. I need to mount it up to see if she even works. The deck has never been mounted that i know of. It was my late dads machine. This video should help in rebuilding it!

[@captainedc]

Looks great but I DEFINITELY would have painted those pulleys.

[@nathanbottjer6141]

Do you happen to have a parts list for the parts needed to do this job? and a rough cost for the parts threw you?

[@klikliks_service]

Are you still around. I enjoy your videos.

[@Isavetractors]

Yes I am

[@jakebell2294]

I wonder how tight the tolerance is for backlash in that gear box.

[@wolvenar]

That is built so similar to the Deutz Allis 1900 series tractors mower decks.

[@ccroson7935]

Just an FYI to save the pulleys so they don’t break apart and you don’t have to buy new ones drill holes in the pulleys Thread them and then use a puller with bolts to remove all the pulleys

[@6Lforever]

I need to rebuild my 60” off of a 430. However I need new spindles and pulleys. Where did you source yours per chance? Thanks so much!! And appreciate the content.

[@kingtut5923]

Youch just go some slag in my runners

[@chrisallen3741]

I wanted to ask you about a 430 John Deere , my friend says to stay away from it. What do you think? If i wanted to mow and maybe blow some snow around

[@MrCountrycuz]

NOrman!!!! I need a 48 inch rotory cutter or a flail mower for my John Deere 2305.

[@Isavetractors]

Auctions are a great place to find those

[@hallsweldingservice]

Looks good Norman. What rear tires are those ?

[@Isavetractors]

These are Carlisle Field Trax HD

[@lesterinv]

I have a JD 400 with the same deck. I need a new tension pulley. Can you share where you got the one for your deck?

[@bryanmay7063]

Does anyone know what size rethreading die to use on the spindle end?

[@greybeard804]

I've got the exact same deck. I'll make my own parts. Not hitting Ebay. This should be inreresting,

[@johnskunk609]

Fantastic video! I just started watching your work on here. What are your thoughts of placing a larger cutting deck on an LA135 42 inch edge deck?

[@Isavetractors]

42 inch is about all the LA series tractors can handle

[@thetrader7613]

Maybe if you were to put a bigger engine on it

[@jedi_mapperp4073]

The 1990 JD 430 I bought a year ago has a spare gearbox for the 60 inch deck. The PO said the tech at the dealership that serviced his tractor gave it to him they don't rebuild anymore, just replace. Turning the shaft I can feel a bit of pitting. He said it is rebuildable. I think it's a Peerless. I'd like to rebuild it myself, buying parts from you of course. Would this be cost effective?

[@hottroddchevelle]

Seems like it was probably assembled previously with just the roll pin holding that bevel gear, they probably forgot to install the key and that’s why it sheared the roll pin off

[@paulg444]

why not with each of those pits (tiny corrosion divets) push a weld bead into it. Could go pretty fast and save a cutout and patch in the future.

[@jackolson6479]

You should get a diesel Deere, like a 430 or a 332

[@richardvandeventer5845]

A bit off topic for this video, I’m trying to find spindles for a 48” Allis 917 hydro. Any help would be appreciated.

[@happyzebra44_34]

I am currently redoing the exact deck. any way you could give me the part numbers for the new pulleys?

[@chrisallen3741]

Could you tell me if the 430 tractor is a unit that is dependable? I’m thinking of buying one for mowing and blowing snow….ive heard several things like the steering components are terrible….could you shed some light on it . I dont want to make a mistake

[@dhenschel4]

Great rebuild, I just did the same with my 54" deere which was in a bit better shape than your's. Anyway, did you put a rust neutralizer on before the brown spray which I am guessing is a primer?

[@Isavetractors]

rust neutralizing primer.

[@davidgaylord2035]

how would sandblasting do compared to the grinding wheel

[@Isavetractors]

Sandblasting would be much more effective, however consider the project, your shop space, budgets etc. As you can see my deck came out fine. Sandblasting is not always the best answer.

[@hunter7476]

Should I get a sunstar Simplicity there is one near me and it needs some love but it runs drives and has hrdrauloc Outputs with two levers and a snowplow on it for 500 or best offer I think that’s a good deal what do y’all think also what’s your favorite garden tractor Norman

[@Isavetractors]

The sunstars are great machines. $500 is a great price too. Go get it! My favorite tractor is the Ford LGT 195. Which I will be restoring as my next big project for this channel

[@hunter7476]

isavetractors thanks

[@jessegreco6818]

isavetractors what makes the 195 your favorite? I love the 145 but I don’t have any attachments for it. Do you have any for the 195? Rear PTO?

[@dudehere340]

Anyone know where to find a service manual for this mower?

[@carlmottola5611]

One bolt into it at 1:35 and already pissed off

[@tkskagen]

Are the Bearings on these Spindles "SEALED"? Is there a location on the Top/Side of the Spindle for a ZERK/GREASE Fitting? If there is a Zerk, just "pop" the Bearing Cover off the Inside Bearing Face to allow Grease Flow! -I'm sure that you already know that! P.S. Do you have anything for a SEARS FF20? Take care, 🤓 -Thomas Port Orchard, Washington

[@PABackyardRevivals]

Hi Norman I have a question, that being have you ever seen a simplicity 3415h? I think it would be a good candidate for restoration for videos. But also it has these weird headlights. I need to get the type

[@PABackyardRevivals]

They are T3606 lights

[@stevevance6394]

I would be happy to sell my 82 jd400 got a good deck 60 in ,,front hydrolics and a 3 point hitch

[@Isavetractors]

Someone buy this guy's machine!

[@craigtate5930]

Where did you find the 7.5 " drive pulley? I had to redo my gearbox also, and the original drive pulley didn't survive the disassembly...only place I could find the pulley was green tractor parts at like $80. I finally scrounged 1 up at my local scrap yard I could salvage

[@Isavetractors]

I got it from surpluscenter.com. it's a generic cast iron pulley

[@craigtate5930]

@@Isavetractors wow. Thanks for the headsup. I wish I would have found that long ago. It was a huge headache modifying/ repairing the salvaged pulley

[@oskarbylander1652]

Can you restore a John Deere 455 diesel?

[@Isavetractors]

If i run across one!

[@Radar8717]

Hey Norman I just bought a 1975 jd 400 with Johnny bucket sr and added a cat 0 3 point. Do u have any recommendations of updates or maintenance i should do ?

[@Isavetractors]

I am pretty sure I replied to you Facebook. For the 400 you should do at least, Points Condenser, Plug Wires, Plugs, air filter, oil filter. All available at isavetractors.com

[@Radar8717]

@@Isavetractors yes you did and ty. I'm unfortunately reading too much online and heard something about the older 400's having lower pump pressure and was asking incase the model had any short comings i should be aware of.

[@Isavetractors]

No inherent problems with the engine. I do recommend putting an oil pressure gauge on the engine to monitor it. There are 2 or 3 ports on top of the engine that are 1/8" npt. Just mount an analog gauge to one of those.

[@guntersieben3065]

Good evening, my name is Günter and i come from Germany. I would like to rebuild my mower deck and it is the same like in the video. In Germany it is not possible for me to find the number of the spare parts that is needed. Could someone please send me a lit of the spare parts for the mower deck. Tanks in advance.

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

Norman, do you have a rough estimate on the time involved and the cost of the replacement parts.I would think finding the parts would be alot of research.

[@Isavetractors]

I'll have to add it up. I admit the parts I had to get from John deere like the wheels, rollers, most of the pulleys and gearbox were more expensive than I hoped. This was definitely on the more expensive side for decks...i also had to find the missing parts on ebay which were also expensive. This is probably $500 to $600 in parts and collectively a few hours of research to find what I needed. Then it was like a full workday to do the actual rebuild.

[@hunter7476]

isavetractors wow but I think it’ll pay off after all a 60 inch deck really cuts down the time I can get my 2 acres yard mowed in 2 hours with the 54in deck on my John Deere

[@JohnSmith-tv5ep]

@@Isavetractors Sheesh! Lots a bucks, but..... "Quality .. it's like buying oats, If you prefer clean, fresh oats, you must pay a fair price. However, if you can be satisfied with oats that already been thru the horse....well that's comes a little cheaper" !! Thanks for your reply Norman!

[@paulg444]

I dont think you want to heat the bolt, you want to heat outer nut. Because heat expands the part.

[@Isavetractors]

Heating the bolt will break it free from rust

[@401threed7]

Where r u located

[@Isavetractors]

Isavetractors.com

[@hunter7476]

Ok It looks like i won’t be getting a sunstar it seems to be sold and no one responded to the email oh well that leaves room for a different tractor dang it

[@Isavetractors]

It happens. Just keep swinging!

[@stevevance6394]

I have a good deck ,but mine has a driveshaft

[@gavanrogers5675]

Ehh the paint job could of been like factory then it would of looked good

[@teodoromurillo5999]

Hello just subscribe to d group do you fix motor or you also sell parts

[@williamriley2528]

Oregon Gator blades Dude... !What's wrong with you...???

[@Isavetractors]

So much. Don't know where to begin. Lol

[@levicole1532]

Norman I'm not going to complain because I know this is going to be used, but this is one of the worst restorations you have done so far in my opinion. Maybe its just the paint, but the deck doesnt look the greatest. But good work on the rebuilds.

[@Isavetractors]

I don't really "restore" implements. The pitting is not worth bondo, and the finish under the deck or pulleys is un-important looks wise. After a single mowing this will be covered in grass and have rock Knicks. I choose my battles. The most important part to me is this deck now functions beautifully ❤