John Deere Riding Mower Deck Repair

John Deere Mower Deck Repair
In this video Donny shows you how to repair a riding mower deck so you can save yourself from having to buy a new one!
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Spindle used in video is part number
GY20962
Spindle bolts used in video are Stens part number 285-039
Deck pulley used in video is Stens part number 275-124 or John Deere part number gx20367
I have easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials "do it yourself" (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
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Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #johndeere

[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on how to do an engine swap on a lawn tractor here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX7XhIZqpJmXntk

[@billsmith1770]

looks great . unless you need bolts in original position (for belt guard/guide etc) you could also "clock" the new ring 45 degrees , and drill new holes thru deck . this way the area around bolts on spindle are resting on solid deck metal , instead of on busted out/enlarged holes .

[@ianbutler1983]

That's a good idea.

[@billlovett4256]

When you're running a business the quickest best way is always the solution. That is the best way to repair it.

[@alt9874]

bill smith, I could not get to a welder easily so took your advice and "clocked" the new ring 45 degrees, drilled the deck and installed the ring. What great advice! It is so solid, and it's drilled into fresh metal (not the old worn out holes). Thanks for a great solution!

[@billsmith1770]

@@alt9874 thanks . i had seen this in another vid and passed it along , thinking it might help someone . glad it did .

[@rvrt1829]

great idea thanks, only issue would be the zerk fitting will not line up with the hole in the cover. But I normally remove them when greasing anyway

[@scottfirman]

As I do not weld I would have to take it to a welding shop. I see so many JD decks going to the scrap because of rust and lack of cleaning. It took me a half hour with a pressure washer to remove all the built up grass and dirt from my last deck repair. It really bothers me that people refuse to maintain their deck, then cannot understand why it rotted away.

[@garyalford9394]

Where can you buy those spindle repair rings

[@CFProton]

I love the way you repair, renew, reuse (not just replace). I'm wondering if you've ever tried "Fluid Film" for rust prevention? Thanks for another great video.

[@stanwardoshiro]

I’m curious, is the John Deere riding mowers that much better than the off-brand ones (Cub Cadet/Craftsman/etc)?

[@stevecurry5785]

These new spindles have the RS bearings in them so you have to take them apart to remove the inside seals off the top and bottom bearings Or the grease will just bypass the bearings and go through the spindle shafts making peeps think the bearings have been greased Which is a cunning plan to make you buy more spindles im guessing lol Good work on the ring But that mower had to of been making a racket for a few years to wind up that bad ? Dont these peeps do any simple home maintenance anymore ? The old car owners manuals used to tell you how to adjust the valves and where the grease nipples were and now all the owners manuals tell you is to not drink the battery acid ? Go figure .... Im needing a new hood for my new to me John Deere 2010 LA 105 mower with the dreaded 19.5 briggs motor im fixing up as it never came with a hood Im guessing he took full advantage of the beer holder on the mower ? plus it seems flea bay or the sellers dont want to ship these used hoods to Canada ? And buying new is out of the question as the cost would be in the 1000s 370 just for the top plastic ,then you need the bottom plastic then the grill then the light casing then the light cover ect

[@barrylee.freedman2203]

I try watching as many of your videos as I can which means a large percentage don’t pertain to my equipment. Learning almost always takes place. Issues like deck rust failures, plastic trans (manf ?) proprietary oil/filter changes and lower quality big box versions, please please keep JD far away from me.

[@patrickflohe7427]

If it were my deck, I would’ve wire brushed, cleaned and painted the whole thing. Too much rust there, and it’ll just keep rusting. I’d obviously want it to last as long as possible.

[@PatrickCoady-ud7mg]

My Kubota deck was full of rust I cut out the badly rusty parts welded in new steel had it sandblasted and galvanized as paint will come off I don't think u could galvanized the gohn deer deck they are not as strong as they will warp with the heat of the galvanized just to let people know I have another mower with a galvanized deck over 10 years old and still know rust I cleans it after every season

[@PatrickCoady-ud7mg]

The gohn decks are very thin metal will rust after a couple of years I would try underguard car protection as paint will come I have a Kubota deck very thick metal will last longer than the gohn deer decks

[@davidgallie6468]

What are those rings actually called?? Can you get them to suit all brands!! Where can I get them in Australia

[@robertmailhos8159]

That's awesome👍 for trying to pay for a New mower deck is not cheap if you're able to find one that's brand new

[@philshock3805]

Super fix! That mower must have been run for a long time with loose spindle bolts to get to that point. That's just crazy. I know you were doing this for a customer where money is a concern, but I would've had to strip the entire deck, remove all the old paint and rust (top and bottom), and make it as new. What started out as spindle brake pad replacement on my 2013 deck, turned into a semi rebuild with a thorough cleaning/grinding and new blades and belt. Although my deck has never been close to this poor condition, the amount of rust and gunk on the bottom was insane - took a good amount of time with a wire wheels and a cup brush.

[@andybecker2693]

A typical John Deere stamped deck. The missing paint is a dead giveaway.

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

love that Lincoln welder, I remember watching the video when you first got it, must have paid for itself but now.

[@desobrien3827]

Any welder, for a good weld needs good prep...are mig welders extra sensitive.

[@everythingvideos24]

I know my deck will never look that bad. I always clean the bottom of my deck.

[@andrewdickson9964]

Great job those decks really rust out and loose powdercoat it peels of easy on the john deer's. Great tips on prolonging the deck life and I am a fan of antsieze great stuff 👍

[@rickthelian2215]

Great job fixing the deck😀🇦🇺

[@davessparetime83]

If you don't have a welder grind out all the rust down to bare metal, drill new holes in the remaining good metal in between the other holes and J B weld ring down and install 4 four new bolts.

[@rjb6327]

Isn't that going to change the cut height? A cancer warning on the pulley?

[@deanmoore420]

Good fixed Donnie I’ve done that before 👍

[@GaryT1952]

Great job welding the thicker ring to the thinner deck!

[@gordbaker896]

Nice Save Dony. I thought you might clean up and paint the entire deck!

[@carlthornton3076]

Very Good!... #74 ✝ {10-9-2022}

[@ourkid2000]

Nice repair! I bet you could cut out a ring if someone needed to DIY. Great video!

[@stephenzies8867]

Great Job Don . You Always Do Quality Work. Another Saved Deck 👍 😀

[@LDReptiles]

Hey don how did you get into repairing small engines? I’m in Ottawa Ontario and would love to be able to have a chat with you about how you did it. I was an automotive mechanic for 10 years and had to stop being in automotive for health reasons. I’ve been tinkering with small engines for about as long as I’ve been in automotive. Was there a specific course you took? Again I’d love to have a chat with you about how you did it! Thanks Don, -Lucas

[@billlovett4256]

By the way I gave Don those rings.

[@jameshedrick605]

I've never seen one do that. What causes that to happen ?

[@JamesMCKOWN-nw2ws]

Thank you very much for the video. I have a S140 that I bought from Homdepot. With less than 9 hours on the mower my center spindle broke two screws and had the other two ripe out of the deck. I called J.D. for warranty, they told me I had to take it to a dealer. The only dear around me has a very bad reputation. As I told J.D., these people will automatically say it's not a warranty issue. Now I am going to call J.D. again and see if they will warranty my deck. After looking on the internet I see I'm not the only person with this problem, it happens quite often. Maybe a complaint to the FTC will help. J.D. should put the rings on every deck. I will probably put a ring on each spindle. Again thank you for the video.

[@danalmeida5380]

Hi don't! This question has nothing to do with tractor deck, I have a duromax xp 4000s generator, it starts with a pull of a pinky, runs like a top, only problem is when I plug a 2 inch submersible pump it pumps for a minute then it shuts down power and still stays running, do it pumps strong for a minute then for like 30 seconds it doesn't, any ideas?

[@ianbutler1983]

I must say those mower decks were not JD's finest hour. Why does the paint fall off in sheets?

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

Is it paint or powder coat?

[@donyboy73]

i'm not sure why, must be poor prepping of metal

[@zlatkovujevic7348]

​@@KensSmallEngineRepair I believe is powder coat, I bought some machines whose paint is powder coat and after one year paint peels off like flakes. Most production company's do not spray primer just color in powder coating for cost effective.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Don’t forget to paint the bottom side, under the spindle / bearing hub. That was left bare here, and it’ll rust like crazy under there, especially with wet grass contacting it.

[@SCROLLERer]

where can i buy one of the rings ?

[@richardwernst]

Any idea if the bolts are a special grade? 2,5,8? And if you didn't use self tapping bolts, could you just tap the holes manually first?

[@mscir]

I thought WD40 was a solvent not a lubricant, so wheel bearing grease might be a good choice for that application.

[@jonmyers8046]

Nice job buddy! Watch out for low flying aircraft, they're coming to get you. Lol 😁

[@williamnelson2942]

Good job ! Good info always. I like the flap wheel. If you have a minute please link where I can order some. They look like they work better than the Diablos. Thanks

[@CliffordGowens-lw6om]

Where do I get those rings?

[@wayneberry8703]

Great job Dony, gotta be happy with that 👍🏼

[@USMC-1911]

Great fix that rust is crazy I bought a new John deere 370 2 years ago and I have 2 rust spots already very disappointing I clean my tractor after every time I mow and then blow it off with a leaf blower so there is no water setting on the deck.

[@rvrt1829]

Great video thanks. I have a similar repair to do. but only a small amount of tearing and splitting around one hole. I was getting a lot of vibration in my deck due to the bearings in the spindles being worn out. I have the bearings on order but they still have not arrived and on the weekend one of my spindles vibrated the bolts loose oval-ing the fixing holes. This is possibly what has happened to this deck.

[@MrGoldman9]

As usual, you do more than excellent and professional work, and let me tell you something important I love about your channel. I hope anyone does it, which is that when you replace a piece or a piece that you want to change at the same time, you tell us about its type and number, from where you can buy it, and the product number and put your link to it in the explanation. Thank you for this tremendous professional performance

[@donyboy73]

Wow, thank you!

[@mattb9664]

That's an awesome repair! Looks great!

[@thyubernoob]

A clean deck is a happy deck!

[@WikkedR1]

Man! Those holes were so egged out that deck had to be vibrating like the bed of a $30/night motel before she finally let go!

[@Patrick4959]

Grouse work Donny mate cheers from Australia 🐨 🐑 🌏 to your area in Canada and stay safe.

[@vetterfellow]

DB73, Looks like a good repair. Thanks for showing us how. God Bless.

[@brianbanks3044]

Great Job Don....welding is a skill that many wish they could do and you saved this machine where half the tractor owners might toss it to the curb if they saw their deck rusted away

[@jaygee999]

Good Lookin' Welds, Donny !

[@MoparMagic360]

Another great video again. I like the way u explain every video. Thnx don

[@andrewk6844]

Easy to MIG up the deck holes ,if you have MIG welder

[@randysavage8963]

Awesome professional work

[@tlm3574]

I can't believe you could center the ring. Wow

[@tlm3574]

Very good work. Nice video.Thanks

[@gasperajdnik8004]

Good work 👍

[@zlatkovujevic7348]

Do you know the thickness of the ring? 3mm or thicker?

[@barrypettit3668]

Another great video Don, i enjoy them all. Very informative

[@samjohnson466]

You are a Pro, Dony. Thanks, good show.

[@BruskyUno]

Nice job !

[@Pete.Ty1]

👍👍👍

[@Irk66]

Is it a customers or one u are doing up

[@donyboy73]

customer's

[@keithpayne8943]

Thanks for the great video.

[@bernardpoole9123]

I would have used anti-seize

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Hi Dony, im thinking of taking off my deck at the end of the season and cleaning it up etc. Would you recommend ? Thanks

[@donyboy73]

Yes, absolutely!

[@nolansowell2885]

I need two of those rings

[@georgestrickland9278]

ebay 10 bucks each

[@muffinthepug2358]

Donyboy73, the nicest Canadian I never met..

[@donyboy73]

MUFFIN is the nicest Pug I have ever met!

[@danparkin2530]

I just wanted to mention if the ring is welded on the under side of the deck it may misalign the belt and cause premature wear, great job Don.

[@andrewdickson9964]

And blade would be lower than the rest I think ?

[@setdown2]

Another great video...I have one question...on my deck the grass gets packed in the pully covers any way to keep this from happening...??

[@donyboy73]

it can be difficult to stop that from happening, I suggest to clean it after every use

[@Zombeegun]

I use a battery power leaf blower and clean the deck and the engine and steering gear after every use. It keeps the sand/dirt from building up and getting wet causing rust

[@100vg]

I think that was pretty innovative. Great work, Don!

[@donyboy73]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@IronMan-ml5yi]

a fabulous repair don

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Don Interesting video. Nice thanks

[@donyboy73]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Gordon_L]

Good job , would have been nice to see some paint on the underside before the spindle was fitted , heated steel rusts even faster than normal bare steel .

[@donyboy73]

Great suggestion!

[@John-cb6wn]

The best on the internet

[@dfields9511]

Great repair

[@neildudley5446]

Great job Donyboy.

[@mcarroll598]

Great fix!

[@cornpop7805]

Excellent video!

[@cornbinder]

Nice Work

[@fire7765]

Great job

[@Mudcat597]

Good job 👍👍

[@warrenlouisiana2277]

Good repair… now where to get the rings?

[@donyboy73]

amazon

[@billlovett4256]

Great video Don. We're glad we could send you a few deck repair rings. Bill from Cumberland Power Equipment in Ottawa.

[@adammosher1115]

Can that be used for other decks as well

[@donyboy73]

quite possibly yes

[@adammosher1115]

@@donyboy73 ok thank you

[@rpavlik1]

nice repair! for folks that don't have access to your guy in Ottawa, you could probably make those rings either with a local friend with a CNC plasma cutter, or an online laser cutting service.

[@buck9739]

Beautiful nice job