Fabrication & techniques

[Mike.VA]

I know somebody out there has better,easier and safer way to remove blades from a zero turn.
If not, are there any ideas on how to block and brace this once I have it lifted to safely remove the blades?

 

[sberry]

You can put a jackstand under this but really if it is well over rigged it is safe as it is.

 

[soapii]

I always set the emergency brake and put a set of jack stands under the deck and let it sit on those. Been doing it like that for years.

--Joe

 

[1wook]

I back mine up on a small set of ramps, set the brake, and then hoist the front up essentially like you did.

I feel comfortable with my rigging and skip the jack stands. Sometimes I really have to use allot of force to loosen the bolts, enough that I'd be concerned if I only had jack stands under the angled deck.

 

[8man]

I worked as a rigger on mobile cranes as a kid. They would have run me off if I got under something that was not "shored" up.

Things happen in life. Use jack stands, crib up with 4x4's, cinder blocks or something. It will add a safety margin and protect you from that "what if" scenario.

 

[kd3pc]

I just use automotive ramps and block the rear end with 4x4 blocks.

To remove the blades, I use a similar block of 4x4 between the blade and the deck. I do always use a new spindle bolt, as my father in law usually mows so close to, and rocks and concrete that the bolts are worn down to be like a carriage bolt.

I do take the key out of the ignition and put it in my pocket or top of the box.

I with 8man, though, and have done enough stupid things, that I block/shore it up even on ramps. Just to be safe.

 

[ChaseDE]

I suppose a zero turn is really heavy, looks heavy although the engine is in the back. For my 42" troy-bilt pony ride on (not zero turn) i literally just set the brake and lift the front end up by hand and it will sit striaght up on it's rear fenders to do blade changes.

like this

 

[PelicanPines]

I lifted my 26hp Kohler mower up from the front... with a farm jack... put jack stands under the front end...

I had to crawl on the ground to reach under the deck to reach for the blade nuts. STUCK... I braced the blade got out a breaker bar...

Final attempt... the socket slipped off the nut and I rolled in pain...

Tore my rotator cuff...

Moral of the story... Gain better access... triple support the lift... USE AIR TOOLS.

 

[Farrier]

I have a Scag zero turn. Cleaning the deck and changing blades is my only *****. I bought this when it was on sale. A real POS, but it works.

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...s-stands/300-lb-atvlawn-mower-lift-61523.html

 

[clubairth]

I use my Bendpak lift.

Real easy and no need for jack stands.
.
.
.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I assume you can't tip it up all the way and rest the machine on its rear end? If not I'd probably build some stands from 2x4s so the front of the deck would hook over the top ends of the stands. The machine isn't so heavy that steel jack stands will be required, just something that's stable.

edit: what does the instruction book for the mower say on how to do it? I'm guessing they want you to remove the deck altogether first.

 

[soapii]

I have a Scag zero turn. Cleaning the deck and changing blades is my only *****. I bought this when it was on sale. A real POS, but it works.

What model Scag? I had a Freedom Z at my old house and now have a Tiger Cat II, both have been very easy to jack up and put stands under before cleaning deck or changing blades.

--Joe

 

[soapii]

Side note....why are you guys using wood blocks and struggling to remove blades? Just get a cheap impact wrench, bolts come right off and you can hold the blade with your free hand as it barely wants to turn.

--Joe

 

[Farrier]

What model Scag? I had a Freedom Z at my old house and now have a Tiger Cat II, both have been very easy to jack up and put stands under before cleaning deck or changing blades.

--Joe

I have a 48" Tiger with 19hp Kawi. Bought it new in 2009. I used the old school auto ramps to clean/change blades before I bought el cheapo hyd lift.

 

[Farrier]

Side note....why are you guys using wood blocks and struggling to remove blades? Just get a cheap impact wrench, bolts come right off and you can hold the blade with your free hand as it barely wants to turn.

--Joe

Zero turn mowers have mowing decks that are somewhat cumbersome to remove and they are heavier than traditional rider mower decks. About the only easy way to access the bottom of the deck is to physically raise the entire mower mower. Similar to the pic in post #1

 

[kd3pc]

Side note....why are you guys using wood blocks and struggling to remove blades? Just get a cheap impact wrench, bolts come right off and you can hold the blade with your free hand as it barely wants to turn.

--Joe

better safe than sorry...I have felt the wrath of (insert deity here) many times and have no desire to try and hold something with my hand that has an impact behind it.

Just be safe. I have to tell the kids at school this, every day...

 

[kabinenroller]

I have a Grasshopper zero turn mower with a 52" power fold deck. Just flip a switch and the deck raises to almost 90 degrees. Makes cleaning and serving the blades easy. It also makes the mower "shorter" for storage.
http://www.grasshoppermower.com/powerfold/

 

[sberry]

Impact, wear a glove if you have to but it's not a problem if you don't let go of blade.

 

[kelpaso1]

better safe than sorry...I have felt the wrath of (insert deity here) many times and have no desire to try and hold something with my hand that has an impact behind it.

Just be safe. I have to tell the kids at school this, every day...

Most blades are duller than a butter knife handle on most mowers I fix. Grab it and hit it it with the impact. Use a glove if you feel the need. I use gloves when sharpening and installing though because they are sharp.

 

[Mike.VA]

I shored/blocked and braced and added a few other safe guards for just in case.

Used a impact wrench and off in a few minutes. Sharpened and back on.

Will improve front wheel support for next time.

Thanks for all your comments.

 

[ChaseDE]

that looks pretty safe, good job.

yeah impact wrench makes things easier. i just need a better one. my grandfathers 1970's chicago just doesn't have the oomf it used to have i guess.

 

[mikegt4]

My Walker mower's deck easily flips up 90* for cleaning and blade maintenance. It was a feature that greatly influenced my decision to purchase a Walker brand product, now on it's 16th season and reliable as a blacksmith's anvil.
http://www.walker.com/

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I drive one end onto car ramps and reach under with the impact. Use short bursts, and you don't even need to hold anything most of the time.

 

[disston]

Never use cinder blocks as jack stands.