So how to I remove this mower from my tractor?

[flusher]

Loosen the two turnbuckles so you can disconnect the clevises (the shiny things) on the tractor ends of the turnbuckles. Then remove the lynch pins (the brass colored things) on the ends of the pins on the mower. The lynch pins are springy so they snap open and closed. Disconnect the lower lift arms from the mower by pulling them off. Then disconnect the power take off (pto) shaft from the tractor. There's a button you have to press while pulling the shaft rearwards. The pto shaft is splined (has 5 grooves) and sometimes won't separate easily because of dirt and grease that has built up and hardened. Use a solvent like paint thinner or PB Blaster to soften the contamination--that should help get the parts separated.

When reattaching the mower to the tractor, I find that a 5-ft long steel pry bar is very useful to get the pins on the mower lined up with the holes on the ends of the lower lift arms. You have to muscle the mower with the pry bar to get it into position. You'll get the hang of it after a few tries. The pry bar can be bought at Home Depot or Lowes.

You might consider some type of quick attach for the 3pt hitch to make this job easier.

Good luck.

 

[s219]

WD-40 is OK in a pinch, but you'd want to use something that is more of a lubricant and maybe a bit heavier. I have a spray can of garage door lubricant that works great for anything on the tractor that doesn't require grease. This stuff sprays out like WD-40, but thickens up into more of a heavy motor oil consistency, so it stays put better and lasts a lot longer than WD-40 would.

 

[BleedingOrange]

Try Fluid film. Great stuff. I use a lot of it for many purposes.
You can buy it in a spray can, or by the gallon, and then use an oil squirt can. :thumbsup: