Mower problem

[one man gang]

I put a new spindle on my 2000 gravley pro 150 50" and the blade(bolt) keeps unscrewing. Any insight on this?

[Splicer]

Try a thread lock?

[HighGrass]

I put a new spindle on my 2000 gravley pro 150 50" and the blade(bolt) keeps unscrewing. Any insight on this?

Are you torqueing it to spec? If you use thread, be sure to get the right kind otherwise you'll have a major headache getting it off. Usually the problem is getting the blade off not keeping it on. Proper Washer? Proper Bolt? Just some other things to think about.

[TURF DOCTOR]

Cool signature highgrass,never had that problem are you torqueing it heavy.

[Flex-Deck]

Hell - You should not have to torque a blade bolt - they should tighten themselves. I just hand tighten very lightly - that way they come off easy to sharpen - never had a blade come off yet. Sure they didn't send you reverse thread bolts or something???????

[Restrorob]

blade(bolt) keeps unscrewing.


;) Can you explain a little better. :confused:

[lawnmaniac883]

Are you sure your lock washer is the correct one? This is the round washer that if looked at from the side appears to have a slight conical shape.

[one man gang]

Are you sure your lock washer is the correct one? This is the round washer that if looked at from the side appears to have a slight conical shape.


First off ,thanks for all the replies and the help. And to better explain it, after the blades spin for a while the center one comes off. It appears the the threads are the right way and I tightened it pretty good the last time and it still came off. On this model the blade goes right up against the spindle with two washers then the bolt. I figure I'll put washer between the blade and spindle(good idea or no?) . If that doesn't work you guys think thread lock ? It's a spare mower so if it locked up it wouldn't be too bad. I just spent $100 on belts and blades for it so I want to at least have the thing run with out the blade coming off.
Thanks again for the help all

[HighGrass]

First off ,thanks for all the replies and the help. And to better explain it, after the blades spin for a while the center one comes off. It appears the the threads are the right way and I tightened it pretty good the last time and it still came off. On this model the blade goes right up against the spindle with two washers then the bolt. I figure I'll put washer between the blade and spindle(good idea or no?) . If that doesn't work you guys think thread lock ? It's a spare mower so if it locked up it wouldn't be too bad. I just spent $100 on belts and blades for it so I want to at least have the thing run with out the blade coming off.
Thanks again for the help all
So you're saying there are two washers between the blade and the head of the bolt? Never heard of that before. All the mowers I've used (Cadet, toro, scag, exmark) usually had only one washer. What brand is it?

[Restrorob]

I wouldn't put a steel washer between the blade and spindle.
I work for a EX Gravely Dealer and this is a option that could solve your problem. Find your nearest Dixie Chopper Dealer and purchase part # W-101 fiber washers, Put one between the blade and spindle on each spindle assembly and put both steel washers on the bolt on the bottom of the blade and tighten to spec.

[one man gang]

So you're saying there are two washers between the blade and the head of the bolt? Never heard of that before. All the mowers I've used (Cadet, toro, scag, exmark) usually had only one washer. What brand is it?


Yes, thats it. And it's a 2000 Gravely pro 150 50". Thats the way it's assembled in the manual too. I have 2 other Gravelys with a brass washer betweent the blade and spindle.

[one man gang]

I wouldn't put a steel washer between the blade and spindle.
I work for a EX Gravely Dealer and this is a option that could solve your problem. Find your nearest Dixie Chopper Dealer and purchase part # W-101 fiber washers, Put one between the blade and spindle on each spindle assembly and put both steel washers on the bolt on the bottom of the blade and tighten to spec.
Would a brass washer do the trick ?

[Restrorob]

Would a brass washer do the trick ?


There's only one way to find out, I suggested the fiber washer because thats the way Dixie's are set up and it makes more sense having the softer material between the blade and spindle would add more friction and absorb more shock and vibration. I have never seen or heard of a blade coming off a Dixie with this set-up.

[one man gang]

There's only one way to find out, I suggested the fiber washer because thats the way Dixie's are set up and it makes more sense having the softer material between the blade and spindle would add more friction and absorb more shock and vibration. I have never seen or heard of a blade coming off a Dixie with this set-up.

Very true, if it dosen't work I'll order the fiber( don't have any Dixie shops near) and thank you very much cause I was gonna try it with a steel washer before the imput.

[lawnmaniac883]

Make sure you tighten to ~80 ft lbs. I cant believe that blade is just working itself off like that...is the belt routed correctly?

[one man gang]

Make sure you tighten to ~80 ft lbs. I cant believe that blade is just working itself off like that...is the belt routed correctly?


Yes I'm sure but this is driving me nuts

[Restrorob]

Yes I'm sure but this is driving me nuts

Ya know, After further thought it's possible since this is a older unit (back-up) you said, The bevel washer has gotten flattened out over time. Make sure it still has a good amount of concave to it.

[one man gang]

Ya know, After further thought it's possible since this is a older unit (back-up) you said, The bevel washer has gotten flattened out over time. Make sure it still has a good amount of concave to it.

Will do, thanks again