JD X120 Deck

Diwali

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Aug 11, 2017
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Removed the deck to find the cause of belt slip. What a palaver! There are 4 shields/panels surrounding the deck that had to be removed before I could access the deck. What is the purpose of these? My previous mower had none at all.
 

Auto Doc's

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The shields are there to keep clutter and buildup out of the components. Aside from that, they protect idiots from getting caught up in the moving components.

Your previous mower likely had them removed, because belt safety guards have been mandatory since at least the late 50's

"Palaver"? That is a $2 word not many people use.

Your belt slip problem is likely just a stretched belt due to heat and use.
 

Diwali

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Thanks. I suspected the shields were there because of a legal requirement. I'm guessing it didn't apply to the UK in 2008 when I bought a new Craftsman LT2000 (US made).
However, I was disappointed to find so much debris had accumulated behind the shields. I now realise the regular hosing down wasn't reaching behind the shields. Something for me to think about in future.
BTW, the slipping belt was due to one of the pulley brakes being stuck and not releasing due to corrosion. Fixed with a bit of lubrication and luckily the belt is still good.
PS. "Palaver" - $2!! You've been robbed!! It's free in the UK.
 

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ILENGINE

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Thanks. I suspected the shields were there because of a legal requirement. I'm guessing it didn't apply to the UK in 2008 when I bought a new Craftsman LT2000 (US made).
However, I was disappointed to find so much debris had accumulated behind the shields. I now realise the regular hosing down wasn't reaching behind the shields. Something for me to think about in future.
BTW, the slipping belt was due to one of the pulley brakes being stuck and not releasing due to corrosion. Fixed with a bit of lubrication and luckily the belt is still good.
PS. "Palaver" - $2!! You've been robbed!! It's free in the UK.
That deck is clean compared to some of the decks and mowers that come through my shop every year.
 

Tiger Small Engine

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That deck is clean compared to some of the decks and mowers that come through my shop every year.
Some of the decks on top, and bottom that get serviced by me are absolutely packed. To the point where I charge extra. To the point where it should be embarrassing to the customer, but it isn’t.
 

Diwali

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Aug 11, 2017
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Having to clean a machine before working on it must be a mechanic‘s nightmare and charging extra is fully justifiable in my opinion.
In my case, having discovered the safety shields were preventing a thorough clean of the JD deck, I have (shhhh!) removed two of the four shields for better access. Hosing down is now considerably more effective. Furthermore, I can now see the debris where my view was blocked before.
 

kbowley

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Just leave the shields off so you can hose the deck off. The decomposing grass buildup can cause the deck to rust.
 
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