The 30 inch should fit and you should be able to get it from a dealer, I don't know about the 33 inch it isn't listed for that tractor on tractordata.com, I think you will be really happy with that tiller and that tiller also fits models 240,245,260,265,285,320,325,335,345, here is a link, http://www.tractordata.com/lawn-tractors/000/0/2/29-john-deere-265-attachments.html

The mulch cover fits over the deck opening and attaches with two straps (there are places on the deck for them to hook). The discharge chute fits over it once done. You do not remove the discharge chute - just flip it up to install the cover then let it go back down. 30-second install.

Thanks for the tip about the JD forum, rcbe! I didnâÂÂt know that existed but I visited there last night (havenâÂÂt posted anything yet) and it does seem that all those âÂÂJDâ types hang out there! LOL I took a pic with the tension rod engaged and disengaged. I took an eyeball measurement of how far the pulley moves forward when it is engaged and it is about 3/4 of an inch which sounds about right to me. Now here is the interesting part: Thanks to jimmy56 (and I have no idea why I didnâÂÂt think of this!), I put the deck back on and got out the string and, when the tension rod is engaged the length of the string is 60 and 1/4 inches. The belt for the 48 inch deck according to the documentation (M143019) is 63.386 effective length (outside circumference) and is supposed to be .410 thick making the inside curcumference just a hair short of 63 inches. That is 2 1/4 inches longer than my string measurement! I'm not sure what to make of this but I have made absolutely sure that the deck is assembled correctly and attached to the tractor correctly. I can't vouch for all of the parts (like the deck hanger) being the correct part but I was told it was 'fine' the last time it was used to mow (which has been more than a year now). Thanks for all the suggestions to date. This is a great forum full of great people. I think I will cross post this over to weekendfreedommachine forum and see if any of the JD heads have any advice. Stil very open to any other advice if this latest post clicks with anyone!

I'm not familar with that kolher engine, But, here what I would check if the engine cranks over fast enough to start. First I would see as suggested if it getting fire to the plug or plugs when it won't start. Next I would use carb. cleaner down the carb. venturi if it's getting fire and if it cranks over fast enough to start (carb. cleaner is way more safer than gas IMO and you get a side benifit it cleans the carb some)(IMO dumping raw gas down a side mounted carb a fire hazzard especially right over a hot muffler not to mention a back fire). I would also check the cooling air venting under the cowling and I would also remove the cooling shrouds around the engine and check the cooling fins on the block. With everything clean and getting proper cooling air you should be able to determine if it is a spark problem or fuel delivery problem. still the same problem I would remove the head or heads and see what's going on inside the combustion chamber. I would look for carbon build up, burnt valves and piston slap.