Lift bar hitting the center spindle on 48" deck.

Here is mine, That lift rod almost looks bent to me.

That's what I'm thinking too. It will probably take two bends. I think I am off to get my empty oxygen tank filled.

Thanks,

Yep, the lift arm looks like it twisted to the left. The only reason it wasn't a problem with the 42RD was the fact that the spindle was in front of it. Looks like you've got it figured out Kurt! Save that old spindle shaft if you can and save yourself about $50.

Sure looks like a twist in the photo. I'll see what it looks like when I get it out. Might be a day or three.

I agree on the 42RD. I was looking at it and the spindle is further forward and the lifting frame sits higher above the deck. Lots more clearance.

I think I can weld up that spindle and re-drill the hole and tap. Nothing to loose but a little time.

Thanks

Kurt

This is a common problem discussed at length before....what some guys do...same as me.....is put a small bolt in there....some guys put a dab of silicone in the hole....put a zerk in to grease it and pull in out.....

Not a bad idea Bob, If my memory is any good, The thread is 1/4-28. If I just clean it up and re-tap than put a bolt in to protect things. Sounds like a plan.

Thanks

Update, I'm making progress.

After thinking about a bent lift bar, I found a used one at Joe's for a reasonable price. It arrived Saturday. Strange that it is of a different design. I compared the two bars for a twist or bend and found this.

So I found the source of the problem, That lift bar was bent. Here is the spindle clearance I have now.

I pulled the spindle. I had no luck getting the old zerk out, so I turned down the end of the spindle about .100" and chased the threads. Worked perfectly.

After I remounted the deck and started it up, I now have a new problem. I am getting a high speed noise. Sounds something like an out-of-sync prop on a twin engine airplane. I pulled the deck and checked everything out. The spindles turn easily, no roughness. But I did feel a creaking in the belt. With my finger on the belt and rotating the spindle, I can felt something in the belt. Almost like a series of snaps as it goes over the pulley. Strange, the belt is an almost new (4 hrs) PIX belt. I think I'll try a new belt, maybe a Toro belt this time.

Thanks for all the help. I hope the pictures show up OK, the preview is not working (yet).

Kurt

Here is a picture of the chowdered spindle

And the lift bars. Left is original (no wonder that was not working), center is the bent bar that caused my problems, and right one is the used part I got from Joe's