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How can you take off the blades on a ztr?

#1

B

bjc

Does anyone know how to change the blades on a Timecutter, w/o a lift, or is a lift the best way to go?:cool:


#2

lawn mower fanatic

lawn mower fanatic

I would say that's the best way.


#3

Parkmower

Parkmower

Or drop the deck


#4

Ric

Ric

bjc said:
Does anyone know how to change the blades on a Timecutter, w/o a lift, or is a lift the best way to go?:cool:
Click to expand...

Try the MoJack Mower Lifts | Hand Trucks| Lift Accessories | Hand Truck Accessories | MoJack I use the EZ. you can buy them at TSC or Home Depot



#5

B

bjc

Ric, i have seen those, but they are expensive and my mower is 50'', this is 47:thumbdown:


#6

D2hornets58

D2hornets58

Sometimes I put loading ramps on the tailgate of a truck or on a brick wall. Then i drive up them until the mower is steep enough to get under. Then i put on the brake and put a block or something behind the back tire to stop it from rolling. As long as your careful you shouldn't have any problems.


#7

txzrider

txzrider

I used to do the ramp thing or sometimes just use my floor jack. I bought a mower so I did not have to... http://www.countryclipper.com/files/files/standup_deck.wmv

I do really like the mojack lift. The only problem I see with it... is all the times I had to check under the deck when I was away from the house.


#8

Ric

Ric

bjc said:
Ric, i have seen those, but they are expensive and my mower is 50'', this is 47:thumbdown:
Click to expand...

You better check again, it doesn't matter what size the cut, it's the distance between or of the front wheels and width of your mower is 54.6 with the Deflector Up and that will be wider than the front wheels. Your front Wheel outside span measurement should be around 42". The EZ fits my 48" cut with room to spare.


#9

BWH

BWH

Is there any kind of safety stands or something for those jacks? It would appear to be somewhat unsafe to get under a deck and rock it around loosing up the blades? Just Asking!


#10

B

bjc

The mo-jacks are so expensive though, Northern makes one for 160:cool:


#11

timtractor

timtractor

If I can't get to my lift, I just use a lifting strap and my cherry picker engine hoist.


#12

Ric

Ric

bjc said:
The mo-jacks are so expensive though, Northern makes one for 160:cool:
Click to expand...

As far as being expensive the cost of the MoJack is less than most lifts. If you keep an eye on the ad's you can find them on sale for as little as $169. Some say like you there so expensive though but what cost does one put on safety.

Yes there a lot of different ways to lift a mower, you can use a lifting strap and a cherry picker engine hoist or loading ramps on a tailgate of a truck as some have said and god only knows what else people can come up with

The correct Tool for the job and doing the job right will save you time and money in the long run. My philosophy is if you don't have the correct tools and can't do the job right whether it's working on a mower or lawncare, Don't do it at all. Safety should always come first.


#13

B

bjc

Where can you find them for that cheap:smile:


#14

Ric

Ric

bjc said:
Where can you find them for that cheap:smile:
Click to expand...

There regular price is $229 at TSC, Lowes or Home Depot but If you keep an eye on the ad's you can find them on sale, I have seen them for as little as $169.


#15

B

bjc

Thanks, I'll keep my eye out for one.:rolleyes:


#16

P

possum

I dont have to sharpen my riders blades very often. I take mine to my dealer and he puts them on his MOJack. He works away and complains about the price of the jack and his blade sharpener and how dry it is. I stand around looking at his line of Tanaka stuff and complain about the lack of cheap grasstrimmers. I pay him, we both go away happy.


#17

B

bjc

How much does it cost for him to sharpen the blades?:cool:


#18

Popeye

Popeye

Just ordered the EZ model from MoJack. Got a "scratch and dent" one $159.00 + $49.00 freight. Lady said they are units that have been put together for Craft and Trade shows. Carry one year warranty vs two year for a retail unit. Click on the EZ model on their web site and you can get to it. I have been lifting my Snapper S50x with floor jack but I have to do one side at a time and it still makes me nervous. With this one I can raise it once and change blades,grease it and change belts etc. if I have to. Plan on using my air ratchet to raise.


#19

B

bjc

I try it:smile:


#20

Ric

Ric

Popeye said:
Just ordered the EZ model from MoJack. Got a "scratch and dent" one $159.00 + $49.00 freight. Lady said they are units that have been put together for Craft and Trade shows. Carry one year warranty vs two year for a retail unit. Click on the EZ model on their web site and you can get to it. I have been lifting my Snapper S50x with floor jack but I have to do one side at a time and it still makes me nervous. With this one I can raise it once and change blades,grease it and change belts etc. if I have to. Plan on using my air ratchet to raise.
Click to expand...

The $159.00 unit is basically a used unit? It will total out to $208.00 with shipping. You can go to Amazon and buy a used EZ for $201 and get free shipping. If you wait for a sale you can get it cheaper than that.


#21

H

hitmanharleyk

I have a old time worm gear jack that has to be 30 years old that I welded a socket to the top. I slide it under the front of my mower and use my 1/2" impact to jack the mower up, I then slide a jack stand under it for safety and take the impact underneath to remove the blades. I keep a set sharp hanging on the wall, takes 15 minutes tops to change the blades.


#22

S

SeniorCitizen

I've adopted this method that puts just about everything on a mower at a convenient height for deck cleaning, oil changes, belt service etc.. I've even taught myself how to remove wheels to be serviced while up there. But it would be difficult if you don't have the guts, a pickup truck, a pair of sawhorses and a cat.:laughing: But just for blade change I just get down on the garage floor and do it but at my age sometimes I have to call for help to get up. :biggrin: so I keep my cell phone handy.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/general-mower-discussion/3453-cats-under-there.html


#23

Ric

Ric

SandburRanch said:
I've adopted this method that puts just about everything on a mower at a convenient height for deck cleaning, oil changes, belt service etc.. I've even taught myself how to remove wheels to be serviced while up there. But it would be difficult if you don't have the guts, a pickup truck, a pair of sawhorses and a cat.:laughing: But just for blade change I just get down on the garage floor and do it but at my age sometimes I have to call for help to get up. :biggrin: so I keep my cell phone handy.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/general-mower-discussion/3453-cats-under-there.html
Click to expand...

:eek::eek::eek: :ban::eek::eek::eek:


#24

Popeye

Popeye

For 7 bucks I would rather deal with the manufacturer who I bought it from than go through the hoops with Amazon. If I had warranty issue. Says the box was damaged. How did it get damaged?
Just my personal opinion.
I have seen TSC here put them on sale for about $180 or so but I will need to change blades fairly often now. Really rather not wait for a sale. Course with my luck they will go on sale next week :rolleyes:


#25

B

bjc

Amazon is great for stuff that isn't for heavy duty use, but I would never buy a lawn mower or trimmer from them, and I would go with the manufacterer


#26

B

benski

I get out my two car axle jackstands and my hydraulic floor jack, lift the hapless thing up in the air, and set the jackstands underneath which ever end seems most appropriate. If I need more room, I get out my other two jackstands. It's a little tedious, but it feels quite secure.:wink: I don't have much courage left to risk life and limb on just a piece of machinery anymore..:eek:


#27

B

bjc

I think I am looking for a safer approach


#28

Popeye

Popeye

That's why I bit the bullet and got a MoJack. Had a trailer come off a floor jack a week or two ago. Got me thinking. "I ain't bullet proof no more".


#29

M

motoman

SandburRanch said:
I've adopted this method that puts just about everything on a mower at a convenient height for deck cleaning, oil changes, belt service etc.. I've even taught myself how to remove wheels to be serviced while up there. But it would be difficult if you don't have the guts, a pickup truck, a pair of sawhorses and a cat.:laughing: But just for blade change I just get down on the garage floor and do it but at my age sometimes I have to call for help to get up. :biggrin: so I keep my cell phone handy.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/general-mower-discussion/3453-cats-under-there.html
Click to expand...

Keep workig on the car and tractor. Rolling around on the floor is good for the body. Working man's yoga.:smile:


#30

B

bjc

haha, mans yoga


#31

H

hitmanharleyk

hitmanharleyk said:
I have a old time worm gear jack that has to be 30 years old that I welded a socket to the top. I slide it under the front of my mower and use my 1/2" impact to jack the mower up, I then slide a jack stand under it for safety and take the impact underneath to remove the blades. I keep a set sharp hanging on the wall, takes 15 minutes tops to change the blades.
Click to expand...

Using the above method it took me 6 minutes today to change the three blades on my mower today after my compressor built up pressure. I then sharpened the blades I took off and hung them on the wall for their next turn, I rotate 4 sets changing them every 4 or 5 cuts. I rotate the blades under the deck also, so that they wear even because the one furthest from the chute wears out the quickest if I don't.

I also sharpen my blades with a 4 1/2" grinder and a 40 grit sanding disc, it puts a nice edge on the blades with out taking off to much metal thus extending the life of the set.


#32

B

bjc

Thats good thinking having all of those other sets


#33

A

Abrahamm

Yikes!

I'm currently looking into buying a Toro MX or SS4260 zero turn mower and discussed changing blades with a salesperson and was told all I had to do to change blades was elevate the deck to it's highest position to get to them. (This is how I change blades on my old Craftsmen lawn tractor, which isn't a zero turn...)

Apparently, this isn't so? Is the deck design too low to do this - thus requiring greater elevation and further purchasing more equipment to perform a blade change out?

Thanks!


#34

txzrider

txzrider

the dealer is right... it is a royal pain in the ***** tho' , it is easy for you to check tho' , raise the deck to it's highest and then lay down on the floor and check it.


#35

B

bjc

It is hard to get much leverage when you are laying down:smile:


#36

S

SeniorCitizen

bjc said:
It is hard to get much leverage when you are laying down:smile:
Click to expand...
Ever breed two combination wrenches to get more leverage? It will double the leverage in most instances and you don't have to worry about them having pups. :laughing:


#37

Ric

Ric

bjc said:
It is hard to get much leverage when you are laying down:smile:
Click to expand...

As far as that salesperson telling Abrahamm to change blades all he had to do was elevate the deck to it's highest position to get to them, I'd say I want to talk to someone who actually does the job and knows what's happening. I wish Abrahamm a lot of luck and he better be able to get a lot of leverage. Lawn mower blades are installed at and tighten between 100 and 120 lbs ft. Some how I can't see that happening laying down on the floor with 4.5 inches of clearance, blocks and a bar or even a cheater bar.


#38

txzrider

txzrider

Ric your absolutely correct... I did not even like doing it with 12-18 inches... I disliked it so much I bought a mower that had features so i would never have to.


#39

B

bjc

Exactly, what mower is that


#40

A

Abrahamm

You fellas have a world of experience I don't possess.

So, if I'm reading it right, zero turn blades are installed so tightly the average man (me) has to have an impact wrench set up (I don't) to loosen the blades enough to get them off?

And, once the blades are changed, (assuming you can even get them off at home) you have to have special equipment to re-tighten the nuts to spec.?

If this is so, and I have to return my mower to the dealer to change out blades, I'll be re-thinking the whole idea of buying a zero turn mower.

As it is, I swap out the blades on my lawn tractor every 25 hours or so. Which I'm able to do at home, no sweat, and I don't worry about using a torque wrench. I just tighten by hand what I feel is tight enough and away I go... As much as I mow, it isn't feasible to bring the entire mower to the dealer every time this is needed - or am I not reading this subject correctly?

Thoughts?


#41

A

Ariena

I'm an older fellow and I use an Ariens ZTR. I frequently sharpen the blades. I use an automotive floor jack to lift the front and then place floor stands underneath. I use a socket and a 1/2" cheater bar and off they come!
I really don't understand the difficulty. Probably, 15 minutes.


#42

Popeye

Popeye

An impact wrench makes life much easier. Be it electric, cordless or air driven. Not just on ZTR's either.


#43

Ric

Ric

Abrahamm said:
You fellas have a world of experience I don't possess.

So, if I'm reading it right, zero turn blades are installed so tightly the average man (me) has to have an impact wrench set up (I don't) to loosen the blades enough to get them off?

And, once the blades are changed, (assuming you can even get them off at home) you have to have special equipment to re-tighten the nuts to spec.?

If this is so, and I have to return my mower to the dealer to change out blades, I'll be re-thinking the whole idea of buying a zero turn mower.

As it is, I swap out the blades on my lawn tractor every 25 hours or so. Which I'm able to do at home, no sweat, and I don't worry about using a torque wrench. I just tighten by hand what I feel is tight enough and away I go... As much as I mow, it isn't feasible to bring the entire mower to the dealer every time this is needed - or am I not reading this subject correctly?

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

No you don't necessarily need an impact although An impact wrench would make life much easier. What I said was you're not going to change your blades laying on the floor trying to work with a 4.5 inch clearance. You need some type of jack, something like the MoJack EZ Mower Lifts | Hand Trucks| Lift Accessories | Hand Truck Accessories | MoJack makes life easier and you can do things right.

If you're swapping out the blades on your lawn tractor every 25 hours or so with no sweat, you shouldn't have any problems with a ZTR.


#44

A

Abrahamm

I've never used anything other than an adjustable, box end type or a socket wrench and thought all impact wrenches were air powered. I just this morning learned they're cordless varieties and corded and AIR. Who knew? (obviously, not me...)

Of course, I don't know a heck of a lot about mechanics, just oil changing/new air filter changes, zerk greasing and other ordinary maintenance stuff that doesn't require a lot mechanical know how, just common sense, a willingness to get dirty and work up a sweat...

That said, it sounds like I can change out and re-tighten blade on a ZT with a corded impact wrench once I safely elevate the deck. (I do not want to go the dealer for this)

Since I have no impact wrench knowledge whatsoever, I'm guessing once tightened with one that'll be good enough.

Right?

Thanks!


#45

txzrider

txzrider

by the way my fav tool lately has been my ryobi 1/2 inch cordless 18v(li) impact wrench. A little over 200 foot pounds and it has worked great. That being said... I usually use a wrench, when I cant move it any more... it is tight enough. I guess if my owners manual had a torque spec I would use my torque wrench.


#46

Ric

Ric

Abrahamm said:
I've never used anything other than an adjustable, box end type or a socket wrench and thought all impact wrenches were air powered. I just this morning learned they're cordless varieties and corded and AIR. Who knew? (obviously, not me...)

Of course, I don't know a heck of a lot about mechanics, just oil changing/new air filter changes, zerk greasing and other ordinary maintenance stuff that doesn't require a lot mechanical know how, just common sense, a willingness to get dirty and work up a sweat...

That said, it sounds like I can change out and re-tighten blade on a ZT with a corded impact wrench once I safely elevate the deck. (I do not want to go the dealer for this)

Since I have no impact wrench knowledge whatsoever, I'm guessing once tightened with one that'll be good enough.

Right?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'd think twice about a corded or cordless impact gun, although they're great for somethings you have too remember you'll be dealing with nuts and bolts from 15/16 to 1 1/8th inch in size. Both my Cub Cadets are 1 1/8 inch and the Toro is 15/16".
If I wanted to make life easy I'd go air impact.


#47

H

hitmanharleyk

bjc said:
Thats good thinking having all of those other sets
Click to expand...

I myself would rather lay down on the floor once and get it done, not take the blades off, sharpen them and then get back down there to install them. At $30-$35 a set, I don't think it is that hard to keep a few extra set's hanging on the wall ready to go.
I make it a point that when I swap out a set to sharpen the ones I just took off right then or before long I would have a set ready the next time and it only takes 5 or 10 minutes to sharpen the set anyway.


#48

M

mowsalot

If you already have a chain hoist, try that route. Also there's a lift bar thing I saw on a website that works with a chain hoist, but it only fits John Deere Z series. Was way cheaper than a Mojack but you gotta have a hoist. Google search ztlift or try www.ztlift.weebly.com


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