[jasman]

I lost the front section of the drive shaft that goes between the 60" belly mower and the tractors pto. Does anyone know if the front part of a 400 drive shaft will fit and work on my 420? Also if anyone has a shaft for sale let me know.

 

[shadetree]

Hey John
Have you looked on your 420? I've always just left the front part hooked to the tractor.

 

[jasman]

Thanks Shady, but I was in a hurry when I brought the deck and drive shaft home on a trailer and didn't remove the front part. When I got home I found that it fell off somewhere along the 70 mile trip.

 

[knottyrope]

you can buy just the front part of the shaft from mother deere, not cheap though

I saw on ebay a shaft complete at 200.00 OUCH

 

[wmgeorge]

You might put an ad on the local Craiglist, lost driveshaft or just drive back and look along side of the road.

 

[jasman]

My local deere dealer wants $220 for the front shaft, and it looks like I will have to bite the bullet and buy it from them. I have seen a few for sale on ebay, but if I have to pay over $120 for a used one I would rather spring for a new one. I did see a shaft for a 400 for $70 on ebay and would buy it if I know it would work with my 420.

 

[dan_hosler]

Try out these guys if you want to buy the individual components...

http://drive-lines.com/neapco/l600.php

-Dan

 

[jasman]

Thanks Dan, but I just found one newly listed on ebay for $50 and $13 shipping so I jumped on it. Thanks for all the help guys

 

[shadetree]

John

Glad you got that sorted out. Need to remember when transporting a drive shaft mower to insure that the both sections of the shaft are secure.

 

[KB]

I run a string through both u-joints and tie the loose section onto the reast of the shaft when the attachments not on my tractors

 

[jasman]

I will remember both of those tips the next time. Luckley it only cost $62 to learn this lesson a lot less then other lessons I have learned in the past.

 

[jdmaninlouky]

You are lucky John -

It cost the poor schmuck behind you ...
an aluminum oil pan , plus engine repair / tow cost -

Not funny Dave - but ...

 

[jasman]

I know. That was the first thing I thought about when I got home and realized what happened. Made me a little sick, because I have been the guy to hit a metal extension ladder that came off a truck on the highway, among other large objects.

 

[knottyrope]

my 420 deck was shipped on a pallet and that part fell off too. I bought mine from deere and at the time it was that expensive and maybe a generic part sort of as it also was too long but that was an easy fix.