Posted 10/25/2013 08:07 (#3403948) Subject: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
We have Cub Cadet ZForce 44. It is pretty much the correct size for us and has low hours. The problem is, they put the same deck on this model as on the homeowner models, and it is sprung. I straightened it once, and it is bent again. The same junk deck new is $500. Thinking about trying to fab one like most all of the heavier mowers have. Anybody done it, or adapted a different deck?
Posted 10/25/2013 08:35 (#3403991 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: RE: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Maine
I would do it...I'd be lying if I didn't say I've thought about it myself, but luckily I have a 72" 7-Iron...Beautiful Deck, Bullet Proof Deck.
What/How I would do it is try to get my hands on a professionally built deck...and copy the design in terms of spacing/layout/and any baffles under the deck. Other then that, there's not a whole lot to the deck.
Sounds like you want a 1:1 Reproduction of yours, except built with real steel, not old Pepsi Cans..
Posted 10/25/2013 08:39 (#3403997 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: Re: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Faunsdale, AL
Go for it.
Only thing you may have trouble with is if you make the top deck a single flat plate, it may "pop" up or down from the stresses which accumulate from welding. We have a Woods deck under a 750 Deere tractor and it will occasionally 'pop" so the center spindle is cocked a little . Not noticable until you start cutting. Cure was to weld angle iron across it (have to miss the belt paths).
The Woods is built like anyone could build in a farm shop, mostly flat plates welded together.
Posted 10/25/2013 09:04 (#3404033 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: Re: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Hennepin, IL
I'd say if you know someone with an exmark, take some pictures and copy that design. We have one with a 60" deck and it seems like it would be fairly simple to duplicate, plus its built like a tank.
Posted 10/25/2013 09:25 (#3404067 - in reply to #3404033) Subject: Re: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Sac & Story county IA
I built a 7 gauge 88 inch deck. Nothing you can't copy from others. There is a bit more science in a mower deck than first glance to get it to mow good. I don't think you can get a finish mower and to mow 2 foot tall, thick, brome in the same mower. Have to compromise. Tip speed of blades is important.
Posted 10/25/2013 09:50 (#3404107 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: Re: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Ontario's West Coast , Huron County
I take it the deck you have is a stamped deck . They do have a fabricated deck for some models also . Think I would check and see if you can get a fabricated model for your mower .
Posted 10/25/2013 11:19 (#3404191 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: Re: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Franklinton, LA
Realistically, how many more hours will the Cub Cadet engine, transmission and other components last? Some time in the future you will have other components that will fail and you will not be able to justify the repair cost. I would not spend money on the best possible mower deck for a Cub Cadet that could have major problems in a few years. I would look for a used deck at a back yard, shade tree lawn mower repair shop or repair the existing deck. With a little cutting and welding you can mount mower decks from other brands on a Cub Cadet. By the way, I have a fairly decent 8-year old Cub Cadet with about 525 hours and a cheap, wrecked mower deck. With some welding and repair, I think the deck can be repaired so it will last as long as the other major components.
Posted 10/25/2013 12:22 (#3404264 - in reply to #3403948) Subject: RE: Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
Statesville, NC
I would not want to put a lot of time and money in that mower. It has non-serviceable transmissions, and I always thought they were too heavy on the front, without adding more to it. I was a Cub Cadet dealer for 12 years, and we had a lot less trouble with the lighter RZT series than the Z force. The RZT was a good mower for $2999. I liked the RZT and the TANK, but nothing in between.
Would I be crazy to build a mower deck?
