Simplicity 42" mower MFR #285 rollers

[landlord2110 41]

My mower deck is 38 years old and would like to do some replacing parts. I want to put new rollers on but cant get middle rollers off. Is the shaft welded to the support arm? Also, I have a play of 3/4" to 13/16" of rollers to the shaft. Is this okay, or have they worn?

[wilm169 1]

Some of the people on here have said they place PCV pipe inside the rollers to take up the space. On the newer shafts they are welded, I have had not an older one apart.

[Simpleton7016 3]

Yes, the shaft is welded to the support arm on one side.

[landlord2110 41]

I took one of the rollers to work and they sugggested using a 3/4" rod which sounded like a good idea. Also, if I used the 3/4" rod, why does the rod get welded to support arm-my guess is it would wear the support arm while rod is turning.

[UCD 14]

You have to remove left support arm and slide out of right support arm to remove center rollers. It is a lot easier to bush the rollers with PVC pipe or replace with new rollers than it is to remove the center rod and weld in a new one. You can buy a new roller shaft and it comes woth the left support arm welded to it.

[wilm169 1]

The shaft does not turn