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Spindle nuts stuck

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22K views 27 replies 13 participants last post by  jmoney7269  
L
#1 ·
Hi

We recently bought a new Cub Cadet Z-Force 60" zero turn. The first time we changed the blades there was no issues. This time I am unable to remove the 2 outer blades. The impact gun won't budge the nuts. Using a blade locker I tried using a break at and socket. It seemed like it was turning however it was turning the shaft as well. The pulley did not turn just the shaft and nut. A lot of force was required. I the tried heat on the nut. Has any one ever had this problem? Just a note the center blade came off without issue.

Thanks
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#2 ·
See on the top of the pulley if there is a nut to put a wrench on or maybe stick a prybar into the pulley if not?maybe throw an extra block of wood under the deck..Get a floor jack handle and use a half inch rachet and socket and feel it off so you don't snap or strip. Spray a little lube on it tap the socket on, and go forward and back in a quick motion using the impact gun. Good luck! A tiny bit of antiseize goes a long way!
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#5 ·
It should have a through bolt, right? Just put a wrench/socket on the bolt head, and wail away with yer impact on the nut.
Use never seeze on em when ya re-assemble.

If that don't work, then do as ToddH suggested.

You must repeat the Mantra:" I will use anti-sieze on da blade bolts..."
 
A
#6 ·
Yea, isn't there a head on the bolt under the deck?

And on that note,
PUT BLADE BOLTS NUT SIDE ON TOP OF THE DECK.

I have looked at 3 mowers this year that had bolts dropped in from the top with nuts under blade.

If that nut loosens up those blades WILL depart the deck.
With threads above the deck the bolt will drop and hit the ground and retain the blades should the nut come off.
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#7 ·
AVS Lawns said:
Yea, isn't there a head on the bolt under the deck?

And on that note,
PUT BLADE BOLTS NUT SIDE ON TOP OF THE DECK.

I have looked at 3 mowers this year that had bolts dropped in from the top with nuts under blade.

If that nut loosens up those blades WILL depart the deck.
With threads above the deck the bolt will drop and hit the ground and retain the blades should the nut come off.
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Click to expand...
Good point !
 
H
#8 ·
I've had this problem, more than once.
Depends on the mower, too.
Some of mine do it more than others, specific makes and models that is.
I have learned not to tighten them too much on the one or two mowers that like to stick it.

AVS Lawns said:
And on that note,
PUT BLADE BOLTS NUT SIDE ON TOP OF THE DECK.

I have looked at 3 mowers this year that had bolts dropped in from the top with nuts under blade.
Click to expand...
Somehow that does not surprise me.
You should see the mower I just acquired.
Oh, it's more than just that, way more, way way more.

AVS Lawns said:
If that nut loosens up those blades WILL depart the deck.
With threads above the deck the bolt will drop and hit the ground and retain the blades should the nut come off.
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Click to expand...
I'm not sure if that's such a concern, being in motion and having a bolt drop into the dirt may not turn out much better... However, the threads being exposed to all that flying debris down below can't be good, not to mention it sticking out like that, going over something...
 
A
#9 ·
herler said:
I've had this problem, more than once.
Depends on the mower, too.
Some of mine do it more than others, specific makes and models that is.
I have learned not to tighten them too much on the one or two mowers that like to stick it.

Somehow that does not surprise me.
You should see the mower I just acquired.
Oh, it's more than just that, way more, way way more.

I'm not sure if that's such a concern, being in motion and having a bolt drop into the dirt may not turn out much better... However, the threads being exposed to all that flying debris down below can't be good, not to mention it sticking out like that, going over something...
Click to expand...
Bolt length is longer than distance from bottom of spindle to ground. The bolt would have to be driven in 4" into the ground before the end would clear the spindle.

On my bunton there is 6" of bolt still in the spindle when the bolt is touching the ground.
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L
#10 ·
AVS Lawns said:
Yea, isn't there a head on the bolt under the deck?

And on that note,
PUT BLADE BOLTS NUT SIDE ON TOP OF THE DECK.

I have looked at 3 mowers this year that had bolts dropped in from the top with nuts under blade.

If that nut loosens up those blades WILL depart the deck.
With threads above the deck the bolt will drop and hit the ground and retain the blades should the nut come off.
Posted via Mobile Device
Click to expand...
No they are 1 1/8" nuts with the threaded portion being part of the spindle
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L
#15 ·
#23 ·
These threads come up often. I have always used hand tools to reinstall. Never had one seize or loosen after that. Some guys get overzealous with the impact gun because they're convinced the blade is going to come flying off. My method also allows the blade to slip too if it impacts anything immovable and save spindle damage. I've cursed the tire shop guys that have made the lug nuts impossible to remove with a hand wrench. Modern vehicles give a specific torque setting and exceeding that or not following the pattern can cause rotor warpage. Today's rotors aren't super thick and machineable like rotors of past.
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