BX 25 HST Cooling Fan Replacement

[Tractor Seabee]

Has any one figured a shortcut way to replace the HST fan other than the long drawn out process explained in the WSM? The dealer wants $500 to do it. Says it takes 4 hours of shop time. All to replace a $12 fan. Most of the time is removing stuff and putting it back to get the shaft out. It is obvious Kubota used this a a gimme for dealer shops as I see several ways to make it easier than moving the engine if it is a manufacturing detail change. Cannot tell from the WSM and Parts Manual how much end play the shaft has built-in but there is a spring on the end of the shaft.

There has to be a better way!

Ron