Removing/Installing mower deck?

[Henecton]

For the winter I removed my 59 inch mower deck so I could plow snow plus I want to paint the deck this spring. With my wife helping we got the deck out from under the tractor by jacking up the front end and remowing the wheel so we would slide the deck out. I have seen videos on Youtube of guys driving over the decks on Farmall Cub tractors I am hesistant to do that for fear of damaging something and after talking to another 154 owner he pulls the wheel off as well to slide out the deck. What is the best way to remove the deck safely?

[gitractorman]

I'd say you have done it about as easily and safely as possible. I know that the decks were "designed" to be driven over, but I can assure you that it puts a LOT of stress on the deck guides and sheeting, and I would never advise anyone actually doing it. I have done it, and it doesn't seem to hurt anything, but it cannot possibly be good for the deck. Typically, if you jack up the front end, you can slide the deck out without removing the wheel, but removing the wheel may be easier and safer, keeping the tractor lower to the ground. Regardless, I'd say that would be the way I would do it too.

[Buzzard Wing]

I agree, I would have to be really in a jam to run over my mower deck! I have taken a Woods 59 out and in from under a standard Cub using a moving dolly and some extensions (actually crutches) by myself. Surely harder to do on a shorter tractor, but I think your solution was the best. Not as tricky as the dang ring gear in the differential.

[seahaul]

I agree with the others, I would not recommend driving over the deck. With an IH deck (3160), I jack up the rear wheel so that the trailing arms will go under the rear tire. You don't have to remove the wheel. With a Woods deck, it's easier since you can remove the pins holding the arms to the deck and pull the deck out to the side.
Either way, it's a lot easier to do this on concrete than on grass. Using a small moving dolly under the rear of the deck also helps.
Seahaul

[SONNY]

One of my 185's had a trashed mower when I got it so after I redid it with angle iron around the front you could now drive a Mack truck over it and not hurt anything.---The other 185 and the reg cubs,--I run up on blocks, toss a couple other blocks on top of the mowers and back right off over them.---beats trying to drag heavy jacks around!--some guys lift the the front ends with loaders, which I have also done and drag the mowers out that way. thanks ; sonny