Removal of blades on ZTM

[70marlin]

Please humor me with some of the simple questions that I will be asking about zero turn lawn equipment. First off I’ve haven’t even purchased it yet. But it’s looking like Exmart laser Z E or S or a Bob cat fast cat, Scag turf tiger something in that category. I’m in the process of marrying off my son this week and my daughter in two month. So it looks like the purchase will be this winter. I’m hoping to find a lawn care company upgrading their fleet to newer equipment or have pity on me or going out of business? You fella’s are the pros I value your opinion’s as mechanic’s and business owners! I’d like a mower that would be all around an easy unit to service but durable. Enough of the intro.
#1 Question How do you get to the blades of this type zero turn to service them and the spindles. Remove the deck or stand it on end?

PS I've been a mechanic for over 30yrs, working for a major mid-western university. I don't work on lawn care equipment. Right now I’m doing building maintenance, generators, lighting some plumbing also I have 10 years of fleet experience, transit buses, trucks heavy, medium , light, cars and heavy equipment.

[cgaengineer]

Originally Posted by 70marlin

Please humor me with some of the simple questions that I will be asking about zero turn lawn equipment. First off I’ve haven’t even purchased it yet. But it’s looking like Exmart laser Z E or S or a Bob cat fast cat, Scag turf tiger something in that category. I’m in the process of marrying off my son this week and my daughter in two month. So it looks like the purchase will be this winter. I’m hoping to find a lawn care company upgrading their fleet to newer equipment or have pity on me or going out of business? You fella’s are the pros I value your opinion’s as mechanic’s and business owners! I’d like a mower that would be all around an easy unit to service but durable. Enough of the intro.
#1 Question How do you get to the blades of this type zero turn to service them and the spindles. Remove the deck or stand it on end?

PS I've been a mechanic for over 30yrs, working for a major mid-western university. I don't work on lawn care equipment. Right now I’m doing building maintenance, generators, lighting some plumbing also I have 10 years of fleet experience, transit buses, trucks heavy, medium , light, cars and heavy equipment.

Use a floor jack...
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[70marlin]

Question #2 How to identify failing pumps & wheel motors. Also any constructive input on buying used equipment.
Hopefully this weekend I'm off to look at a used 02 60" Exmart laser Z Kohler 25hp, 2100hrs on unit lots of replaced parts. Motor600 hrs, two wheel motors & one pump. I've studied the repair and equipment threads on this forum. I will be looking for leaks, dark hydraulic fluid, fouled reservoir, loud pumps and slop on wheels and input shafts if I can get to them. Not sure if the shop owner will let me get the unit on jack stands or not? Also I like to be able to mow with it. Your suggestion would be welcomed!

[cgaengineer]

I don't think I would buy a unit with 2100 hours...

I would sure ask to demo a unit and inspect carefully. If you were a mechanic than you should be golden spotting problems on mowers...they are not that much different mechanically...ther are differences, but if you can fix a car you can fix a mower.

I was a mechanic as well.
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[70marlin]

Originally Posted by cgaengineer

I don't think I would buy a unit with 2100 hours...

I would sure ask to demo a unit and inspect carefully. If you were a mechanic than you should be golden spotting problems on mowers...they are not that much different mechanically...ther are differences, but if you can fix a car you can fix a mower.

I was a mechanic as well.
Posted via Mobile Device

I'm still a mechanic, 40 hours a week plus OT! My machines aren't on wheels. Thanks for your praise. When you spend 40 hours a week on the same type of machine you really get to know the beast.

ps Don't let that 70 marlin fool you, that's my boat. A 70's jet boat with a big block OLDS with some serious work