Here’s why you don’t need a mower jack for maintenance

Certainly, you can use a jack to position a mower for below-the-deck maintenance, but there are some risks if the jack slips or is not sturdy, and the process also takes much more time.

No mower jack? No problem. 

With a Grasshopper PowerFold® FrontMount™ mower deck, you can effortlessly lift the deck with the touch of a switch to easily access the underside for maintenance. All PowerFold®  decks feature accessible top shields that are simple to remove and set aside so you can inspect belts and check spring tension and perform necessary adjustments to prevent a belt from slipping.

The Grasshopper PowerFold deck takes the hassle out of routine mower maintenance so you can get back into the field while ensuring optimum performance, safety and results from your machine. 

Mower deck maintenance made easy: Underside Access

The advantages of PowerFold deck technology are numerous. Not only does the electric lift control save labor and prevent potential back strain, the deck control brakes in the upward position so you can safely service underneath without fumbling with a jack or locking mechanism. These decks provide easy access to the underside of the deck and save storage space and allow professional landscapers to free up more space in a trailer. 

When you service under the mower deck, watch for these common problems that can cause repair issues down the road. For one, we recommend scraping under the deck rather than using water to spray off the deck underside. We can tell when operators frequently hose off or power wash their mowers because washers inside the cones and screws can rust, and water corrodes spindle housings. Water can often do more harm than good—scraping debris and buildup from under the deck is the way to go.

Another common error when servicing underneath the mower inserting the washers in the wrong places when reinstalling the protective cones and securing the blades. When removing these parts, it’s easy for them to get mixed up. Always refer to your operator’s manual when replacing washers after maintenance so they are correctly aligned.

Step-by-step bottom PowerFold deck tips:

• Raise the deck by flipping the PowerFold switch.
• Once secure into a lifted position, remove blades by loosening bolts. An impact wrench is helpful for quickly removing bolts. Otherwise, a typical breaker bar is also effective.  
• Remove spindle cones, using a pry bar to loosen if necessary. 
• Scrape out spindle cones to remove debris, also loosening the washer located at the bottom to dig out any buildup underneath it. (Be sure the washer is still there. If not, replace it.) Repeat this step for the two other spindle cones. 
• Scrape off dirt and grass clipping debris until all buildup has been loosened and removed.
• Sharpen and balance blades if necessary. 
• Once the deck bottom is clean and the blades are sharpened, replace the blades, securely fastening the bolts. 
• Check your owner’s manual for torque specifications. Set the torque wrench and pay close attention to which washers go in which positions. Torque blades to recommended pounds, repeating for each blade. 
• Once finished, lower the PowerFold deck.

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Mower deck maintenance made easy: topside access

The pulley and belt system that turns the mower blades is easily accessible from the top of your mower deck. Inspecting these components regularly will help you keep your Grasshopper mower in top condition and prevent costly repairs or unsafe in-field breaks. 

Step-by-step PowerFold top-of-deck maintenance tips:

• Pull the top deck shield off and set it aside.
• You will see the belt with several pulleys and idlers underneath. Inspect the belt for cracks, frays or chunks that indicate a need for replacement.
• Inspect the spring tension and ensure it is correctly set. Refer to the operator’s manual, as specifications vary for different Grasshopper mower decks.
• Remove the belt and spin each idler pulley, listening for smooth bearings. If a bearing is bad, you will hear and feel it. Repeat this step for each idler. 
• Check the belt tensioner. When decks are frequently washed with water, the tensioner can freeze up and not apply the proper spring tension. A slipping belt can ruin cut quality and can damage the deck components.
• Return idler pulleys and belt into place, double-check spring tension, and replace the top shields.

Make mower deck maintenance easy with Grasshopper

Clearing debris from underneath your mower deck, scraping out spindle cones and checking spring tension are a few routine mower service steps that can extend the life of your mower, preserve your equipment investment, and deliver the quality cut you expect. All this is simple and seamless with Grasshopper PowerFold FrontMount mower decks. 

Learn more about the Grasshopper FrontMount mowers. Also, check out our library of how-to videos, or sign up for our newsletter. Thinking about a new mower? Our team can help you choose the best model for your needs.