JD 350 mower questions for James Howe or others

I picked up a 350 mower with a 9' bar several years ago, with the intention of using it to trim around the stock tanks, etc. It has seen a lot of use, but seems fine for what I need.
First - I have a manual, but it leaves a lot to be desired. Can someone post some photos of how to properly hook it up? In particular, how to properly affix a chain from the mower to the draw bar, how you have the chain set up, etc. That part of the manual could use some work.
Second - how much work is it to convert it from a "narrow" setting to a "wide" setting? I want to use it with a JD 630, and so it must be set to the wide setting, as the pto shaft cannot be connected to the tractor as the lift arm is in the way when it is on the narrow setting.
Again, the manual is a little brif - just place the lift arms and pivot shaft in the wide or narrow position.
I have started soaking the bolts with penetrating oil, and this looks like it is going to be an all afternoon job. Any hints?
James Howell: I think I have watched all of your videos with the mower, and I appreciate what you have posted. However, could you post one showing how you hook it to the tractor?
thanks
 
The two chain setup to the tractor drawbar does two things... limits the downward movement of the main mower frame, and, when the three point is lifted, makes the cutter bar lift in relation to the mower frame, first the outer end, then the inner shoe end.

The operator's manual (at least the one I) have explains the downward setting and gives some tips and chain link counts for the lift chain and and lift assist spring and chain to make the mower behave as it's supposed to. With my mower, it took a little tweaking and wrestling with the BIG ornery spring to get it to all work in sync.

There are two basic frame designs, which affect how the narrow or wide configuration setup gets changed. Mine is the older design... swap the drag bar pivot pin to the other hole, then tip over the lift mechanism and re-attach the chains to the holes at the opposite edge of the lift bar.

Here's a photo from a couple of years ago, showing the older-type 350 I have.
<img src = "http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/27Grainfield/424IH/Green_350_Red_424_zps8b7ee6aa.jpg">


 
thanks for your photo. My mower juse came with a single chain, which is what I believe you are referring to as the limiter for the downward movement of the main mower frame. The second chain is what I need to rig up, as the mower did not come with it.
The photos in the operator's manual leave a lot to be desired.
 
Here's a parts breakdown. Are you aware you can view or print that, as well as the part numbers at jdparts.com at the link below?

<img src = "http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u125/27Grainfield/Deere/DEERE_350_zps68187e78.jpg">
DEERE parts lookup
 
Reviewed the two Operators Manual 350 And 450 Mowers OME58660 Issue I5 and OME58660 Issue L5.

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Also reviewed the Operators Manual 350 And 450 Mowers (Serial No. 800001- ) OM-E79838 Issue C9 that replaces OM-E58660 I5.

Each manual had a different way of attaching the 350 mower to the tractor.

Came across a saying last week "I may not have the best of everything, but I do the best with everything I have."

With that in mind, take a look at the photos below of how our 350 mower is attached to the tractor.

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It may not be properly attached, but it works for us.

Take a look at the photos below of my "attempt" to change "Nelson" our 7ft mower from a narrow to a wide setting.

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Was unable to get the pivot pin out of the frame; <a href="http://youtu.be/kLXIn1Nz1O0">re-assembled the mower and attached it to "Old John"</a> Nancy's 48A.

Hope this helps.
 
James, thanks very much for the photos, they really help. One question on the triangluar piece that you pin to the drawbar. What is the purpose of slot? The bolt does not appear to be free to slide - is the slot just a way to adjust the length of the chain?
My mower did not come with any of the hardware to attach to the drawbar. My operator's manual is #82271, for mowers 800001- (my mower is 8509xx), and it shows an eye-bolt in the drawbar pointing up. Which should I have, the triangle or the eye bolt?
thanks
 
The operators manual recommends that there should be between 8 to 10 inches between the frame and the ground with the cutter bar in operating position.

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The slot in the drawbar clevis is designed for a pin with a cotter key to secure the chain; the chain should be free to slide in the slot.

Since the drawbar on our tractor is upside down, a nut, lock washer, and bolt were used to secure the chain in the upside down drawbar clevis after the frame height was set.

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Reviewed the 350 And 450 Mowers (Serial No. 800001- ) Operators Manual OM-E79838 Issue C9 under the [b:654c4848f0]Attaching and Detaching[/b:654c4848f0] topic on page 15.

There is a notation [b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]NOTE: On 850, 950, 1250, and 1450 Tractors, attach eyebolt (G) to hole in mounting plate (I)[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0].

Unless you are using one of the four models listed in the notation, the mounting plate is not required and an eyebolt in the drawbar will work.

Hope this helps.
 

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