Mower Deck Front Hanger Bracket Repair Kit & M115245 Lawn Mower Anti Scalp Deck Wheel Compatible with John-Deere 425 445, 455 Replace 48" & 54" Mower Deck Front Draft Hooks

What It Is

This is a repair kit for the front hanger bracket and anti-scalp deck wheel on John Deere 425, 445, and 455 lawn tractors with 48" or 54" mower decks. It replaces the worn front draft hooks that connect the deck to the tractor’s lift linkage, plus adds a wheel to prevent scalping on uneven terrain.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Exact models: John Deere 425, 445, 455 (gas or diesel) with 48" (48C) or 54" (54C) mower decks. Not for 425/445/455 with 60" or other deck sizes.
• OEM replacement: This is an aftermarket kit. Verify your original part numbers – it replaces OEM hooks (M115245 is the anti-scalp wheel part; the hooks are often AM107720 or similar). Check your deck’s front hanger brackets for the specific hook shape.
• Measurements: The hooks must match the lift rod diameter (typically 3/8" on these decks). Measure your existing hook’s pin hole and slot width. The anti-scalp wheel is 4" diameter with a 3/4" bore.
• Deck type: Only for side-discharge 48C and 54C decks with the two-hook front hanger system. Not for 7-iron or other deck series.

Key Things to Know

• Installation difficulty: Moderate. Requires removing the deck, unbolting the old hooks (usually two 5/16" bolts each), and bolting on the new ones. The anti-scalp wheel mounts to the front hanger bracket with a simple axle bolt.
• Quality note: Aftermarket; some users report the hooks are slightly thinner metal than OEM, but they hold up fine for residential use. The wheel is solid plastic with a metal bushing – no grease fitting.
• Common gotcha: The hooks may need slight bending to align with the lift rod. Use a large crescent wrench or pliers to tweak the slot angle. Don’t over-tighten the axle bolt on the wheel – it should spin freely.
• Worth checking: If your deck sags or lifts unevenly, the hanger bracket itself (not just the hooks) may be bent. This kit only replaces the hooks and wheel, not the full bracket.

Should You Buy It

Yes, if you have a John Deere 425, 445, or 455 with a 48" or 54" deck and your front draft hooks are worn, bent, or missing. It’s a budget-friendly fix for a common issue that causes poor deck leveling and scalping. Not ideal for heavy commercial use, but perfect for homeowners who want to restore deck lift function without buying OEM parts.