Mower Deflector

[andy]

Has anyone devised a hinged and/or spring loaded
deflector for the Simplicity mower decks?? It would be
nice if the factory deflector could be modifed and used.

The first thing I did to my new Sovereign was remove
the fixed deflector so I can go through gates and
around trees. I may have to rig a deflector up that
will hinge up when needed but it would be easier if
someone has already done so. Why reinvent the wheel?

Thanks,
Roy

[Al]

Hi Roy, I have done this to 3 tractors so far and have had great results. I took a rubber mud flap from a semi tractor and cut it to fit around the opening of the mower shute. On the older decks if someone happens to step off the left side the blade is write there waiting to get your foot. The one's I have made extend outward about 5-7" so as the heavy rubber prevents this from happening. The flap runs from about 4"on top of the deck and sides outward for a total of about 10" of rubber. It is bolted on where ever there are holes aready or maybe you might have to drill a couple like I did with a total of 4 bolts and flat washers holding it on. I can get write next to trees,fenceposts, or what ever as the rubber that sticks out past the deck opening just bends inward. It even bends backward when backing up without hurting it. I have used the same one for about 8 years now with good results. Basically the rubber just rapps around the top and sides of the deck opening and you can make it longer to stick out past the opening how ever far you would like. If you want to the rubber can even be painted orange to match your nice new tractor. I hope you all can understand my discription if not I will make a drawing of it if you like. Sounds kinda well rigged but it works great and looks pretty darn good or it won't be on my old girls. Best->jackl-happyjack<-

[Al]

Thanks for the info. I will look into both the rubber flap (I have some heavy conveyor rubber material) and hinging a deflector. Roy

[paull]

I have never seen the mower chute setup on the newer decks however on my early 70's vintage deck (RH discharge) on my 416H, the chute does flip up. The chute attaches to the deck about 3 inches in from the discharge point of the deck itsel with a hinge (the chute overlaps the deck discharge). It is attached with a spring loaded hinge, but if were fabricating this, I would simply use conventional hinges and forget about the springs. There are two holes in the chute which correspond to two studs protruding up from the deck discharge. When the chute is lowered, the chute holes drop over the studs. Wing nuts are then attached to secure the chute down and keep it from flying up. Whether or not this mod can be done with your setup is for you to decide, but I hope this helps. Good luck.
Paul L. in Upstate NY

[John_RI]

If you want to keep it in the Simplicity character they used to have them hinged. Two 1/4"? rods came off the inside sandwiched between straps and secured by a large single wingnut - must be similiar to the AC setup mentioned. However if you run into things when it is down it is easier to damage it. I thought it was a great idea.