cutting height '96 regent

[MichaelL 0]

I've owned a '96 Regent for 7 years and have only one complaint. The maximum cutting height is only 3 inches. The last few summers have been very dry in the Philly area and my thick spring lawn turned to toast by mid July. I really need to get at least 3.5 inches cutting height and had to park the tractor last year and raised up the ole craftsman push mower to get 'er done. My chiropractor says buy a new Deere John that goes up to 4 inches but he won't lend me $2000. The few Simplicity mechanics in my area say that the cutting height has always been lower on the older Regents w/ no safe way to squeeze out another inch of deck height. The tractor is in mint condition and runs strong so I really hate to get rid of it because of this. Fellahs, any ideas? THANKS Michael L.

[KenK 0]

Do you have rollers on the back of the deck or wheels? If you have wheels you could possibly put taller wheels on.

[MichaelL 0]

Yes I do have wheels on the back of the deck and installing bigger wheels was suggested by one shop but not recommended by the Simplicity dealer. That might give me the little extra lift I need but I wonder if it's safe. Do you think I should try it? o

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Originally posted by KenK
Do you have rollers on the back of the deck or wheels? If you have wheels you could possibly put taller wheels on.

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[Al 6]

Hi, These tractors only mow about 3" high. The decks in the back are hung from the transaxle cradle. You may be able to drill the holes in a different spot, and then adjust the front hanger to re-level the deck. Be sure to check the drive pulley clearances. While you have that long pin out, take a grinder and taper the end. I makes it much easier to put it back in when putting the deck back on. The newer tractors have it beveled. I think you will be limited in how much height you can gain here. Al Eden

[MichaelL 0]

It sounds complicated! Maybe I'll let my local shop put slightly larger wheels on the back of the deck. I hate to get rid of it. Thanks for your advice.

quote:

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Originally posted by Al
Hi, These tractors only mow about 3" high. The decks in the back are hung from the transaxle cradle. You may be able to drill the holes in a different spot, and then adjust the front hanger to re-level the deck. Be sure to check the drive pulley clearances. While you have that long pin out, take a grinder and taper the end. I makes it much easier to put it back in when putting the deck back on. The newer tractors have it beveled. I think you will be limited in how much height you can gain here. Al Eden

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[KenK 0]

One other option could be to put taller tires on the tractor.

[MichaelL 0]

Great news! My local mechanic put 6 inch wheels on the back of the deck and it gives me at least another inch of cutting height. I used it on the highest setting yesterday and it was close to 4 inches. Hallelujah! The new wheels are rubber (off of a push mower) and are more tall and narrow but it works like a charm. The mechanic said he couldn't find any 6 inch wheels that looked like the original simplicity wheels which are hard plastic and much wider. There's no rain in sight so now I can use old faithful without scalping the lawn. THANKS to all who responded. Michael L