1992 Craftsman 36" 917.256820

[HughDaHand]

It's normal for these 2 blade decks to be hung a little diagonally. It's a little trick to let the blades have a little bit of overlap while driving straight.

 

[Blaine B.]

It's normal for these 2 blade decks to be hung a little diagonally. It's a little trick to let the blades have a little bit of overlap while driving straight.

That's what I was thinking, perhaps, since the blades rotate independently and do not overlap themselves under the deck, as shown in my photo after putting the tractor on its side. By the way, the battery was removed beforehand.......no acid leak!

 

[Blaine B.]

I did see it, but it's hard to see much of value probably better pics of the deck and the "hangers" on the mower frame when you drop the deck ..BE SURE TO TAKE MANY, MANY, PICS of your disassembly .. they will be valuable later as you reassemble !!

I'm thinking that perhaps, the bracket that is bolted to the deck on the right side may be backwards. That would explain some of the misalignment with the hanger brackets.

 

[upupandaway]

I have 80's sears riders. It looks like it i very similar to mine. Looking at the diagram, either i'm reading it wrong or else i dont see the diagram of the parts that connect\lift the deck. Can u post pics of the "arms" that hold the deck up so i can see if it is like mine and if same\similar i can tell u how to align it.

 

[Boobala]

SEE P/Ns 12 & 15 ..........

....... click to enlarge, ..... these should be the deck brackets...

and this should be the deck hangers ... see #s 22,23, 26, 27 (and related )

 

[Boobala]

ARE these pics similar to yours, .. check the bracket locations

...

 

[Blaine B.]

According to the diagrams, the brackets that are bolted to the deck are oriented correctly. However it seems as if I reversed the right rear deck bracket so that it was biased more towards the left that the hangers would be aligned much better.

These are some sub-par photos today, but that's what I have for now. Also, my new Gator blades came in. Good stuff as I am accustomed to. I can't say for certain that they cut better but it would seem as if they would create a better turbulent swirl with the aggressive fins.

 

[Boobala]

According to the diagrams, the brackets that are bolted to the deck are oriented correctly. However it seems as if I reversed the right rear deck bracket so that it was biased more towards the left that the hangers would be aligned much better.

These are some sub-par photos today, but that's what I have for now. Also, my new Gator blades came in. Good stuff as I am accustomed to. I can't say for certain that they cut better but it would seem as if they would create a better turbulent swirl with the aggressive fins.

I would reverse the RIGHT side hanger adjuster so the cotter pin hole faces outboard, even if a little amount of bending of the bracket is necessary, I think you're gonna have to experiment with it ....... Boo

 

[Blaine B.]

I would reverse the RIGHT side hanger adjuster so the cotter pin hole faces outboard, even if a little amount of bending of the bracket is necessary, I think you're gonna have to experiment with it ....... Boo

Tried that and the alignment was even more terrible, to the point of almost not fitting at all and binding.

If I swap the bracket that's bolted to the deck it might be more likely to be possible.

If you notice in the front mount on the frame, both of the cotter pins face towards the left, however.

 

[Boobala]

Tried that and the alignment was even more terrible, to the point of almost not fitting at all and binding.

If I swap the bracket that's bolted to the deck it might be more likely to be possible.

If you notice in the front mount on the frame, both of the cotter pins face towards the left, however.

I studied your latest pics a bit more, It seems I was wrong about the RIGHT side hanger, I would think, the adjustment nuts would be facing outboard on BOTH sides to make adjustments easier (nuts outside of the brackets) PATIENCE ... and thought will prevail, your efforts will pay pay-off in the end. It would be nice if you had a same type mower or a detailed service manual to guide you but just do what you think works best for you.