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I recently unbolted the blade pulley covers and they were packed full of grass clippings.

Can I just leave the covers off?

It is difficult for me to unbolt them each time I hose the mower off. I am trying to find some kind of quick release bolts.

I posted here, as these things seem to be on all mowers.

I've tried it both ways for years on various riders and now I leave um off (UNLESS they are in a place where you might catch your foot etc in the pulley).

I haven't noticed any difference in performance with either method, it's just that I clean them more regularly when the covers are off.

I think I'll leave them off for awhile. One is completely under the deck and the other only sticks out about 1/4 of the pulley.
My 42" Craftsman Tractor doesn't have them, only the Zero Turn.
My blades stop when I stand up anyway.

Thanks

If you have an electric PTO then the belt covers can be left off they are just a safety device to prevent finger & feet getting caught in the belts .
If it has a manual PTO then some covers also double as belt keepers.

Thanks

This one only has an electric clutch that drives the blade belt.
I have ordered some star knobs if I decide to put them back on.

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Use a blower or compressed air instead of water.

On my covers I drilled Two 1/2" holes into each cover, just below the pulleys. When blowing mine off I use my leaf blower & aim it up the holes. They stay clean now.

PS: Just my .02 I NEVER use any water on mine, blow it off with air & give it a wipe with a California duster. Done.

Too many electrical connections & spraying cool water onto hot spindles, is not something I will do.