BX2360 54" deck blade removal

[snpower]

Guys,

I'd like your thoughts on the best way to do this. The manual's instructions are simple enough; however I can't get the blades off using a block of wood to stop rotation and a 30mm socket wrench (turning CCW). Maybe I need a box wrench on the top part of the spindle? If so, what size should I get? Among other things I'd like to know if it works better to have the deck off the mower or it you leave it on. But I am most interested in best technique for getting the blades off. Thanks.

 

[Scooby074]

Then best method? An impact gun.

I just stand mine up on end and hit it with the impact. A block of wood (i use a chunk of 4x4) works too when you get it jammed in there right. If your doing it by hand, y our going to need a 24" breaker bar on your socket.

 

[mjpalmer]

I find the easiest way is to use an impact wrench. Battery or air powered will work. I find the air ones to be smaller and easier to use. I raise my deck all the way up then use a jack to raise the the front to get the proper ground clearance. Using a socket wrench or breaker bar will likely require removing the deck and flipping it vertical.

Mike

 

[ChuckinNH]

I agree with Scooby. I have always taken my mower deck off when I do that as it gives me much more room to work, and allows me to get at other maintenance items while I'm at it. My boys got me an inexpensive impact wrench a little while ago, and that thing sure is wonderful around bolts that are tight, and close to sharp edges like my mower blades, and chipper knives. I hadn't bought one because I just thought they required more air than my little compressor puts out, but it works fine, and I sure wonder why I went all those years without one!

 

[radioman]

I remember the first time I took the blade bolts off they were put on by a gorilla. It took a air impact to take it off. ever since I put never seize compound on it once, I never had a problem since. It took a short burst of air to spin them off now.

 

[TripleR]

I always just jacked mine up and used a socket and breaker bar then torque wrench to tighten it back to specs. I have used both a block of wood or a wrench on the two outside blades on the top, but forgot the size.

 

[snpower]

OK! Good advice as always. Borrowed a neighbors impact set and the blades are off. I pulled a side/back muscle trying to do it with a 24" breaker bar. Looks like I need some anti-seize compound as suggested.

Now I'm going to get my gator blade center holes enlarged so that they will fit the spindle and should be ready for the fall leaves!

 

[lindnova]

I agree they were installed tight from the factory. I usually take mine off with a 24" breaker bar with no problem. I have long arms and can reach the center one without raising the tractor. I put anti seize lube on the threads and have no problem removing them.

An impact wrench is the easiest way if you can raise to access. I use my impact if I have the deck off the tractor.

 

[psvines]

Yep, impact wrench. I struggled mightily last year trying to get the blades removed. Then finally went and bought the necessary socket and used the impact wrench; nut came off instantly with no effort. I reinstalled with the specified torque and hopefully later this fall they will come off easily with a normal wrench. Last year was the first removal of the blades after two full years of use, which might have added to the difficulty.

 

[Haywire]

I just took mine off for the first time and used an 18" breaker bar. I just put a little back into it and they came off fine. Didn't bother putting a torque wrench on it when I put them on, just put about the same amount of back into that it took to take them off.

Ian