48" deck blade removal
 

I'm having a problem removing the center blade on a 48" 3 spindle mower deck. I was successful in taking off the two outer blades by using a wood block to "wedge" the blade and then loosen the blade nuts. The problem is that when I went to do the same on the center blade, the spindle and pulley are still turning while the blade doesn't. I soaked all three nuts with PB for a day or so.

Anyone have any "tricks" to prevent the spindle/pulley from turning?

Impact gun

Yep. I use an Ingersoll Rand 1/2" gun that makes about 400 ft. lbs. and a 1-1/8" impact socket. Only had one that need heat from the fire wrench to help it.

I don't have any impact tools. I'll have to borrow one from a friend who does. In the mean time, I'll try a couple of ideas that may help. I've never been a fan of the "heat wrench" method. Especially when working on things with internal bearing like the spindle.

One thing strange is that this nut looks like a "castle" nut that might be a pinch locking style one. Probably a PO idea of a good thing.

Put a socket on the opposite side.

Sir Lance. That was one of my thoughts, but I wasn't sure if that would simply loosen and remove the double pulley without loosening the blade. The other thought I've had is a "hangman's noose" on the pulley and anchored to fixed point. Then, as I try to loosen the nut, the noose will continue to tighten.

A combination of pulley noose and socket may also work. My friend with the impact tools is out of town until next week. I'll try my/our ideas. If it works, great, if not, then I'll go the impact route. It's a winter rebuild/restore project, so it isn't an immediate deal. I'm just taking it apart now and seeing what parts I might need when I put it back together for next summer's work duty.

The pulley is keyed to the shaft. The pulley has the hex on it to hold the whole assembly. Don't put the wrench on the upper nut, put it on the hex on the pulley.

The center pulley if it is the older style may not have that holding nut.
Holding the pulley with a strap wrench in combo with the impact wrench, heat, and doing it on a tuesday may work.
There is a hole in the pulley that corresponds to a hole in the deck, stick a bolt or something of the same sizage and use that to hold the pulley.

J-Mech - I'll look to see if there is a pulley hex. I didn't see one when I was cleaning it up, but I wasn't looking at things that closely.

Darkminion - A strap wrench!! I hadn't thought of that. I use to have one, but haven't used or needed it for eons. I'll have to see if I can find it. Tuesday huh?? I usually do my best work on Monday's, but I suppose I can wait one day. Again, I wasn't looking, but I'll see if it has the holes. They may be plugged up with dirt, grease & grime.

The double pulley has about a 3/4" gap spacing between the belt pulley & the drive pulley if that is any help.

Sometimes I end up grabbing the collar under the mower deck with a BIG pair of channel locks.

Jeff

I use a BAPW (big azz pipe wrench) on the collar between the blade and deck.
Along with an 1-1/8" socket and breaker bar on the blade retaining nut.
But make sure the BAPW is up against the blade so not to crush the collar.

1 vote for impact wrench from me.

If you have a Harbor Freight store nearby and don't mind dropping 40 bucks, go there and get ya one of these. (don't forget 20% coupon)

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-...nch-68099.html

I have one and I never even bother with my air guns anymore. It can do the job and it's just more convenient to just plug in versus compressors and hoses.

I did that once and the collar just turned, may have been a bad day at IH.

I guess the weld that day just went on one piece :beer2:

Success getting the nut loose and off.

There wasn't a pulley nut to use. The holes in the pulley and the hole in the spindle base were so small and didn't line up very well that I broke the only screw driver that would fit. Oh well, next idea. I couldn't find my strap wrench, darn. No impact wrench, no harbor freight near by. The BAPW was the winner. I was cautious about it being right up against the blade so the spindle collar wouldn't get beat up.

So, now, two questions: First - any thoughts on the best way to clean the spindles without taking them apart? They are nice, firm and spin smoothly. Second - two of the spindles didn't have friction discs. What is their purpose? I've never seen one on any other mower blade I've had. They are still available through CC.

I am glad you got your nut off.
Those little thingies are for if you hit a stationary object, those little thingies will make the blade spin and keep thingies from damaging the spindles.