Mowing Mower deck spindle

[PTRich]

I called power trac today to order a rotary cutter, some extra blades and a pulley for the top of my spindle on my 60" finish mower. Terry told me I had to order the entire spindle because they are now using different spindles. They have replaceable parts. You can take the spindle apart and replace just the worn or broken piece. When it arrives I will let you know how it looks.

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue">I called power trac today to order a rotary cutter, some extra blades and a pulley for the top of my spindle on my 60" finish mower. Terry told me I had to order the entire spindle because they are now using different spindles. They have replaceable parts. You can take the spindle apart and replace just the worn or broken piece. When it arrives I will let you know how it looks. </font>

Thanks.

 

[bubenberg]

That5 is good news. I am on my second replacement set of roller bearings.

 

[Rick_Taylor]

I had to replace one of my spindles two months ago because it was bent. I received one of the new spindles. It looks a lot better and tougher than the old ones. The only real difference in use is that it's greased from the top instead of the botom of the deck. So far, so good.

 

[marrt]

<font color="green"> only real difference in use is that it's greased from the top instead of the botom of the deck. </font>

Does this mean you have to take the belt cover off to grease it? If so, that would be a pain for me since I grease the spindles before each mow.

Speaking of that, has anyone looked into extending the tram pedal grease zerks to a more convenient location? I don't like having to remove that panel everytime I grease (yes, I am lazy). Mossroad, wasn't this a project on your list?

 

[Rick_Taylor]

Yes, with the new type spindle you will have to remove the guard. I know it's not the safest but I removed ours and left them off after a small limb somehow found it's way in and ruined a belt. So far haven't had any problems.

Is there any published offical PT way of adjusting the belt tension?

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue">Mossroad, wasn't this a project on your list? </font>

Yes, it was. However, I only have 112 hours on the thing. It takes me a few weeks to get 8 hours on it and I have found that I need to take the cover off to blow out the sticks, dirt and dust that gets in there from the loader work that I do. So, after careful consideration, I don't plan to extend them for now. I also considered changing the hex bolts to dzeus fasteners, but I cannot find a local source.

 

[bryce]

<font color="blue"> </font> [dzeus fasteners] What kind of fasteners are they? Bob /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Sedgewood]

MossRoad <font color="green"> I also considered changing the hex bolts to dzeus fasteners, but I cannot find a local source. </font>

Aircraft Spruce carries Dzus fasteners

Leaving my covers off,
Sedgewood

 

[smartguyz]

I've attached a photo of some Dzus fasteners.

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[smartguyz]

Here's a link to the manufacturer's website. Dzus Fasteners

They have a nice little 'calculator' that will help you pick the right fastener/retainer. Does anyone know the correct information for the PT425? If so, you can run the calculator and let the rest know what sized fasteners we should get! I've already done the maintenance 3x, and think this would be a GREAT mod!

Sounds like a good project!

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[johara1]

i was thinking about something to make it easy myself. along the lines of how gravely did it. take the four bolts out , now screw them up through the bottom of the deck, put the nut on each one . now set the cover back on, those bolt now locate the cover. now all you have to do is hold it down.
find a spot on the deck near the center that doesn't interfere with anything and drill a hole in the deck. take a piece of all thread rod say 1/4" and long enough to make a mark in the cover. with a nut under the deck and one on top it will hold the all thread in place, put the cover back on and mark the spot where it hits the cover a drill where it left the mark,now open the too a larger size (makes it easy to get on and off). the 4 bolts you put in the deck keep the cover in line the one you put in the center will hold it down
after you adj. the all thread to where enough is above the cover to put a wing nut or self locking nut or a threaded knob.
take the cover back off and place two nut on the all thread so you have something to tighten against under the cover to keep the nut an top tight.

 

[smartguyz]

Hi Johara1,

I needed to read your explanation a couple of times, but it makes sense! That's an excellent idea for the deck covers. I was thinking more along the lines of the hex bolts used to hold the cover plates for the 8 hour maintenance that MossRoad has done such a great job of illustrating on his website.

-Rob /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Well Bob, I hope they answered your question /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

The dzus fasteners that I would like to someday put in will be slotted head like a standard screw(see Smartguyz attached picture). All it will take is a 1/4 turn with a stubby screwdriver and they will release. I became familiar with them when I worked at the airport. They are popular on aircraft engine cowlings. But they can be a little pricey. Still, just click, click and click and the inspection plate is off! Pretty cool fasteners. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[johara1]

mr, the only thing wrong with the dzus fasteners is they have to go into a open area plus the large hole for the receptacle.this area is the deck and is exposed to grass ond dirt and flying stones,i don't think they where made for this.

 

[MossRoad]

<font color="blue"> the only thing wrong with the dzus fasteners is they have to go into a open area plus the large hole for the receptacle.this area is the deck and is exposed to grass ond dirt and flying stones,i don't think they where made for this </font>

I agree that the deck would be a bad location for Dzus fasteners. What I was speaking of was the inspection covers on the tunnel between the operators' legs to get to the treadle pedal grease points /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif