[Marty in Bozrah]

1985 Gravely 8123 w/ 40" mower deck - I'd like to know where some kind of ID can be found to be able to order & replace bearings and belts for this deck. Started to make some unique noises when placing the PTO into action.:Stop:

 

[Rodney in VA]

Marty in Bozrah

I moved this post over to this forum (Gravely/Ariens) for better coverage for your question. :MTF_wel2: we are glad to have you. There are many friendly and knowledgeable folks here at MTF, so enjoy all the different forums. Click on ”Active Topics” near the top left of the page for all the latest activity. You can also register with other members from your state by clicking here:

 

[Old3Banger]

Presume you have the common, 3 blade, single belt, rider 40" belly mower & greasing the spindles, drive shaft & U-joints didn't help? Besides "bearings and belts" there's an idler pulley & pivoting tension arm that might need attention. These can often be nursed along by oiling.

A supplier like Richard's L&G doesn't need much "ID" to set you up w/the replacement parts to rebuild these decks. Just describe your 40" deck, they'll know which parts.

However, if it were mine, I'd try to isolate where the "unique noises" are emanating from 1st. If a U-joint is going, replacing the deck's "bearings and belts" ain't the fix. I've had drive shaft UJs w/and w/o zerk fittings. I'd disconnect the shaft & feel the UJs & remove the belt & feel each spindle. If I found 1 that wasn't glassy smooth I'd just rebuild what's bad. Deck gearbox issues can also produce "unique noises". Again, feel for trouble when belt is off.

 

[Marty in Bozrah]

Planned on doing just this method of trouble shooting just as soon I had new spindles in hand - (replace w/ new + rebuild exist'n for spares) and replmnt belt to adjust to spec.
I found out that Part #'s from '85 Op's Manual have been morphed and the main spindle part changed in design: Spindle Assembly #21306 = #58803600 -from threaded shaft ends to a bolted blade cradle vs. lock nut/ washer & a keyed spindle sheave vs. a splined sheave w/lock nut/ washer. This new part# 04906100 replaces old# 34428. Ref. Svc letter 2084 "pullies" per the Ariens rep. I spoke with.