Repeat Failures on RCK60B-23BX MMM Deck Blade / Pulley Covers (Plastic shields)

[fja]

Now on my third set of blade/pulley covers for this 60" mower deck -- plastic continues to come in contact with pulley, burns/melts right through the covers -- that teflon belt and pulley win every time and there are no adjustments on these covers,----stuck with Kubota's two hole mounts and "slide under" slot to secure the other side of the covers.

Referenced part number is K5381-41180

I've checked the various hold down bolts on these pulleys (internal bolts inside circumference of pulley, also those below pulley) and they're fine --- seems to be a problem with Kubota's plastic cover designs.

I've never had problems with the steel variants on my other Kubota mower decks (e.g. zero turn)........

 

[RCW]

My RCK54 BX23 deck used to attract a bunch of stuff under those covers. It was a bear to get the pulley area cleaned out....really tight under there.

Never had them tear apart, but I'm betting it got pretty hot under there too.

After just a couple years, I took them off. I don't have young ones around and I'm the only one to run the tractor and mower.

Not trying to attract the safety police, but I feel better with them gone....YMMV.

 

[skeets]

I took mine off years ago on the 2360 I can grease clean and inspect just by looking

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yeesh, at $65 Canucks,each and you've bought 3 sets ! I'd be fabbing one outta steel PDQ

 

[Ping]

I’ve had my RCK60D-26BX deck for 5 years, never any issues with belt rub. But, as RCW said, they do tend to collect debris. May just remove them before next mowing season as others have done.

 

[08quadram]

Took mine off the first year I had it. They are nothing but a pain. I hated taking them off after each mowing to clean out. BUT by far the best thing I ever did with that deck was sell it and buy a zero turn. Now the BX gets out of mowing duty and my lawn gets mowed in only an hour and a half instead if 2 1/2.

 

[Toyboy]

I use my leaf blower to blow everything out from under the guards every time after mowing. I've never had a problem with any debris.

 

[fja]

yeesh, at $65 Canucks,each and you've bought 3 sets ! I'd be fabbing one outta steel PDQ

I agree --my metal fab tools are very limited (own eight welders, two plasma cutters) but don't have English Wheel, stretcher, shrinker, brake, bead rollers, etc. Probably a good idea owning these but for me my use wo

yeesh, at $65 Canucks,each and you've bought 3 sets ! I'd be fabbing one outta steel PDQ

You know that's a great idea -- I was thinking about carving out a 20x20 metal fab area in one of my barns and just checked on prices for E-Wheels, stretcher/shrinkers, bead roller, brakes etc -- for what the rip off Kubota folks are charging (and Deere, CAT) you can start fab'ing a lot of this stuff for 1/5th the price - would probably pay for the equipment in a couple of years.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I looked at a picture of the cover, easy to make a 'serviceable' unit from a sheet of steel and a length of flat bar, NO fancy tools needed, just a welder.
As you have a plastic one.....
cut off the 'side ' from the 'top'
use both as template and cutout new top and side, making side say 1/2" taller
bend side to conform to top...
drill 3 mounting clarance holes,say 3/8 if 5/16 bolts..
weld 3 nuts inside the flat bar 'side'
I've done similar covers in the past. Yes , you'l have to 'tweak' the design BUT a LOT cheaper and you only have to make ONE set, for life !!!

 

[armylifer]

My RCK54 BX23 deck used to attract a bunch of stuff under those covers. It was a bear to get the pulley area cleaned out....really tight under there.

Never had them tear apart, but I'm betting it got pretty hot under there too.

After just a couple years, I took them off. I don't have young ones around and I'm the only one to run the tractor and mower.

Not trying to attract the safety police, but I feel better with them gone....YMMV.

I have the same MMM as you do. I never thought about taking those covers off but you got me thinking about it now. It may save me from having to buy another belt before it's time is up. I have been using an air compressor to blow debris out from under the covers. That is a pain for sure.