Rotary Cutter Bushhog Blades Question

[3rd Base]

I have a BTC (Branson Tractor Company) bushhog that I bought with a used small Branson 2810 tractor several years ago. The tractor/bushhog is used infrequently every few months. Anyway, while using bushhog to mow high some high grass last week, it seemed to be running rough (??) I raised the bushhog, shut off the tractor. When the blade stopped rotating, I felt the blades an noticed some play in both blades where the nuts fasten to jumper plate. I don't know if this is normal to have play like this or not - I would think not, but I don't know (??). Soaked the nuts with PB Blaster overnight, but then could not find the correct sized socket anyway. Based on relative fit of sockets that were available, I'm guessing it's a 1-11/16" socket - anybody know if this is correct? Assuming I can find correct socket, I'll try again with a cheater pipe. If that fails I might have a rosebud torch avaialble.
Thanks for any info and/or suggestions!

 

[franklinute]

There should be no play on the nut side of the blade bolt. You mentioned that
you grabbed the blade side of the bolt and there should be play on this side. The
blade should rotate and move up and down. The bolt should not move. Check
the nut on the stump jumper too. Most times the stump jumper nut is lefthand thread.
1-11/16 is the correct socket size. Most blade bolts will use a lock washer.

 

[2458n]

Blades are made to swing freely. Nuts are tight on bolt. Post back if this is not plain.

 

[3rd Base]

Blades are made to swing freely. Nuts are tight on bolt. Post back if this is not plain.

Yes, that's exactly the situation - the blades rotate freely as they should, but the large nuts have loosened over time, creating unwanted vertical blade play. Gotta find 1-11/16 socket now - local Harbor Freight store does not sell this size individually Thanks for confirming!

 

[3rd Base]

There should be no play on the nut side of the blade bolt. You mentioned that
you grabbed the blade side of the bolt and there should be play on this side. The
blade should rotate and move up and down. The bolt should not move. Check
the nut on the stump jumper too. Most times the stump jumper nut is lefthand thread.
1-11/16 is the correct socket size. Most blade bolts will use a lock washer.

Thank you for your reply!

 

[LD1]

Buying a 3/4 drive set at HF if still likely cheaper than buying an individual socket of name brand.

Are you sure the actual bolt is loose. The blade will still have a little up and down play with a tight bolt.

 

[bjr]

If the nuts are like the ones generating posts, you might have just buy new bolt/nuts and torch off (oxy/fuel) the old ones rather than fight getting the old ones loose. bjr

 

[Dieseljeeper]

Buying a 3/4 drive set at HF if still likely cheaper than buying an individual socket of name brand.

Are you sure the actual bolt is loose. The blade will still have a little up and down play with a tight bolt.

Before buying a 3/4 set from HF better check to see if the set includes a 1 11/16. Normally they jump from 1 5/8 to 1 3/4.

 

[LD1]

I haven't met a bushhog but that either the 1-5/8 or 1-3/4 socket would not fit.

6-point of course

 

[Monster5601]

I believe the bolts that hold the blades need to be torqued to 400 foot pounds, he is going to need an impact socket.