Can Craftsman 42 deck be replaced with a Craftsman 38 inch ?

zipster100 · May 8, 2009

Hi folks, I have a Craftsman Lawn tractor this about 15 - 20 years old. It has a 42 inch deck that is in bad shape and needs a new mandrel. I found someone on Craigslist that has a complete 38 inch Craftsman mower deck of about the same age. Can I do a direct swap of the 42 for the 38 inch deck. Will the clutch linkage and what not be in the right places? Any help would be great. Thanks

rustyj14 · May 8, 2009

I certainly wouldn't want to try it unless i had both decks on hand, so i could compare them, to see if there might be a difference, especially in how the deck attaches to the connecting bars and links! You might be getting a "pig in a poke", especially when buying sight-unseen! And, if you did buy it, and it can't be made to fit--what then?? Good money wasted!
I'd buy the new mandrel, if the rest of the deck could be repaired, but considerring how old the tractor is, i hardly think it would be cost-effective, to buy a sight-unseen deck, have it sent, and then discover the sender "saw you coming", as folks used to say whenever somebody got shafted by some charlatan of a sales person, or used parts purveyor!
There are lots of good used machines out there, just looking for a new home!

zipster100 · May 8, 2009

I had the same thought so what I plan on doing is bringing my 42 inch deck with me to compare the two. The seller suggested the same as well. I already have it off, if it looks close I might as well give it a try.

rustyj14 · May 8, 2009

From what you said, i thought it was going to be sent to you, by freight, or whatever.
Better for it to be seen before buying!
RJ

zipster100 · May 8, 2009

Sorry, I should been more clear on that point. What's your guess? Will it work?

Btw, my tractor is a 944.606051 if that helps.

Anonymous-0 · May 9, 2009

It will not work...............

zipster100 · May 9, 2009

glgrumpy · May 9, 2009

If hangers are welded on in same places, and the pulley in same place, should work. I'm wondering about the width being enough to pass the width of your rear tires. Might want to measure that. Nothing worse than bending over the uncut grass, that won't cut/lift right in next pass, plus not being able to trim up against things if you do that sort of thing. Pulley may be diff size on deck too, needing a diff size drive belt. Depth wheels and skids may not be on smaller deck??

zipster100 · May 9, 2009

Just for the record I went over and looked at it this morning. No go. The front support bracket is very different but most of all my 42 inch has one clutch control bar and the 38 inch uses two, one for each blade. Figured I would let you know in case anyone else ever tries this whacky idea.

bruce christian · May 16, 2009

nope. tooo many changes to be made. pulleys, hangers, belt routings, belt, engagement rods, etc. I would purchase a new jackshaft/mandrel/blade adapter. they make them everyday.
Bruce

zipster100 · May 17, 2009

I purchased a new mandrel shaft from sears. Now my problem is I can't figure out how to remove the pulley to replace the shaft and bearings.

Can Craftsman 42 deck be replaced with a Craftsman 38 inch ?

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