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Mower Deck Cart

12K views 32 replies 19 participants last post by  LLigetfa  
#1 ·
I decided this past fall to finally make one of these for my mower deck. In the past, it's always been a pain to store it (or work on it). I'm not sure where this idea came from, but this seems to do the trick. It took me about 2 hours to make. I used Gorilla glue and wood screws to make sure it stays together and little locking caster wheels to make sure it rolls easily on the floor. During the winter the deck is easy to store now and even easier to work on (clean/sharpen/grease). Let me know what you think...

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#30 ·
Probably the large footprint would balance well when vertical but the weight of the deck plus the hand truck getting it up to vertical may prove too much. My hand truck is not very light and the length does not provide much leverage.

After it is vertical, tipping it back onto the hand truck wheels would be hard because of how far forward the weight is. I designed this for a light weight 42" deck and I designed it for a comfortable 2 foot working height for when it is laid back onto the wheels and P-handle. If I wanted it to be a lower profile, I would have welded a length of pipe to a pair of beam clamps that would keep the deck lower to the ground.

There is a deck dolly on the market made specifically for the large heavy JD decks ( Home ). Not only is it JD green but also it has the fitment for JD decks and longer handles as an option for more leverage.

There is another recent thread where some chain was used on a hand truck. I think that was around $5.
 
#26 ·
LLigetfa, thanks for getting out in the frigid weather and taking those pics.

What mower deck does this work with? I have tried something like this for a 60" HC but I couldn't figure out how to do it without putting pressure on the deck belts.

Did you cut those notches in the platform of your hand truck?
 
#28 ·
What mower deck does this work with?
It fits a 42" craftsman/AYP.

Did you cut those notches in the platform of your hand truck?
Yes, I cut the notches so that it stays locked in firmly while I work on the deck. I can mount the deck either side up to work on the blades or the pulleys.

Did you notice the white frost on the bottom of the hand truck?
 
#21 ·
I've been planning on building axle wheels with a friend's help, but until I figure out the metal lathe side, this is a great idea for a temporary solution! I've plenty of leftover wood from building a deer blind.
What size wheels?

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#20 ·
My back and legs ;0). No really its similar to the dead lift action. I could use a hoist or engine lift, but I'm still able to do it. When I get older (now 58), may probably use one of those methods.
 
#14 ·
Mickey said:
But I don't really have a need to store the deck. But if I did, I'd more than strain my milk trying to pick up my deck as it weighs more than 250#. Oh, the realities of gett'n old.
Thats why I got employees and a bobcat with forks. I am 20 an my back is shot.
 
#13 ·
I handle my deck, snow thrower and plow with a regular vertical handtruck with 10" wheels. For the plow and thrower I store them standing on their nose with the frames up. To move them I slide the shoe of the handtruck under the cutting edge, wrap a HD bungee around the frame of the truck and plow, lean 'er back and off I go.

The mower is a little more complicated. If I don't want to test my "stones" that day I'll roll the deck under the everpresent ratchet hoist in my garage and hoist it chute side up vertically. Then I move the HT under the end lip of the underside and secure it to the HT. I'd sure make one of those frames if I had the room but the deck is against the wall secured with a hook cutting side out. The plow and thrower stand in line in front of the deck for the winter. I can exchange places of the blower and plow in two minutes or less depending on what the "weather man" says.

Another thing that makes deck handling easier is a "hooker". No, not any of Ed's kind but a handle with a hook on the end. Mine happens to be a snow shovel "D" handle with a 4" hollow hook at the end. Drop the deck, and hook the hook under the deck or grab a wheel bracket and pull it out from under the tractor. If you have swivel wheels on the deck you got it a bit easier, it'll follow you easily. If not you can "aim" the deck where you want to go and tow it with the hook. I NEVER bend over if I don't have to!!:D

If you buy a handtruck that will be used for anything outside, get an air filled tire model in your weight range. They roll way easier over uneven surfaces like gravel, dirt and grass.
 
#22 ·
I handle my deck, snow thrower and plow with a regular vertical handtruck...
How would you balance a deck on a vertical handtruck without it falling off? I've been trying to do this...without success.
Old thread but since you dredged it up already I may as well answer how I did it.

I made an attachment out of 2x4 lumber for my hand truck. One side locks onto the hand truck and the other end locks onto the deck supports. With the deck on the ground, I position the hand truck (with the attachment) near the deck and lock it in place. Then I lay the hand truck face down over the deck and lock the other side in place. I can then tip the whole thing up on end. The attachment provides a wide base for it to stand securely. If I want to work on it in a horizontal position, I just lay the whole works down on its wheels and P-handle and the attachment raises the deck up about two feet off the ground.

The attachment is locked in place with a turnbuckle and comes off in seconds with no tools so that I can use the hand truck normally.
 
#12 ·
Nice idea Greenhobby. Now if I'd had a hard surface to roll one on. But I don't really have a need to store the deck. But if I did, I'd more than strain my milk trying to pick up my deck as it weighs more than 250#. Oh, the realities of gett'n old.
 
#11 ·
Thanks all for the kind words. It's made from one 2x8 and a few scrap 2x4's (and some strapping). The upright 2x4's on the blade side are shorter so that I get better access for sharpening and cleaning. With the wheels locked you can really lean on it without tipping. When I built it, my kids thought it was a kind of skateboard for them ;-).

Enjoy building. It's a simple, fun, useful project...
 
#8 ·
thats a great idea... mine rests on its side without any need for support....

but i like the stand & rollers....

id store mine in the basement in the past and end up lugging it from the cellar to the shed... and it was a PITA, heavy and tough to drag...
it occured to me, after repeating this process a few times... Why not use my dolly... Thats worked great for getting the deck around....