60 in. mmm question

[simpilot]

There is a small hole ( about 1/4 in dia.) in the spindle about 1/2 in. above the blade. What is this for? I sometimes use my pressure washer to clean the underside of my mower. This may not be a good idea. I'm sure the water has passed over this hole at times. Could this force water into a bearing or whatever? I grease by the book. Hope this discription is understandable. Appreciate any comments .

 

[swmpbgy1]

There is a small hole ( about 1/4 in dia.) in the spindle about 1/2 in. above the blade. What is this for? I sometimes use my pressure washer to clean the underside of my mower. This may not be a good idea. I'm sure the water has passed over this hole at times. Could this force water into a bearing or whatever? I grease by the book. Hope this discription is understandable. Appreciate any comments .

SimPilot:

Could it be to keep the spindle from turning when removing the blade?

Just a thought..........
Swmpbgy1

 

[orangebluegreen]

Mine has a hole same location. It's actually in the dust cover and not the spindle itself. Looking at the parts breakdown it shows a seal in there above that supposedly seals the bearing. I've always figured that hole was either to let water out or for excess grease to sling out. Others on this forum have noted that grease does not always make it to the lower bearing and when changing blades it is wise to take this cover off and then grease the spindles until grease comes through. I found this to be true as well, it does not appear grease travels to the lower bearings as easy as when this cover is removed. I suspect this may be due to dirt collects in there pretty heavily and probably blocks passage of grease therefore not allowing it to travel down as easy....this would not explain it not making it's way down to the lower bearing when new however unless they just don't put enough grease in to begin with. That said, I have run mine through standing water while mowing many many times and have never seen any trace of water mixed with the grease, I don't use a pressure washer however. I had never considered it as a way to hold the blades while changing them, might have to give that a look next time. If anyone has a better trick to hold blades while torquing them I would love to hear it. I usually use a vice grip clamped to the blade and run up against the side of the deck, but there has to be a more clever solution.

 

[ChuckinNH]

I have always used a short piece of 2x4 to hold the blades in place when removing, or installing them.. I have a piece that is the right length to block against the features under the mower deck. Perhaps the Kubota decks are built differently, and that wouldn't work, but it's worth a look.

 

[TomC]

My Guess is it's a breather hole to prevent low pressure build up in the dust cover so dirt dosen't get sucked into the bearings.

 

[ByronBob]

About the grease. Make sure you pump grease into the spindles until you see it coming out from some place. My first experience with this issue was about a tube and a half later I filled the spindles up.

Someone years ago had a bearing fail. Lack of grease cost him a bucket of money. So just keep this in mind.

I think the hole is a weep hole anyhow.