Grading Best way to remove MMM blade.

[EastTractor]

I have a B7510 with a 60" MMM and am getting ready to change the mower blades. The tractor has 60 hours on it and the MMM is in perfect condition. I am still in the honeymoon phase with it and I really don't feel like scratching it if I can avoid it. It weighs something like 350 LBS, so maneuvering it is somewhat of a chore, especially for a guy with a bad back.

I am wondering how you guys get at the blades of a MMM on a B or BX series.
Best practice, fastest, safest, etc.

Great info on this site.

 

[JPinnell]

I lift mine up in the air with a couple of lifting slings from the front end loader. Doesn't scratch it up since the slings are nylon. If you don't have a loader I'd think some car ramps used for oil changes to pull the front of the tractor onto, a creeper, and an impact wrench to loosen the blades.

You could also use 2 come-alongs slung from the rafters in your garage to lift the deck up in the air for easier access if you remove the deck.

If you've got a welder it would be easy enough to make some brackets that mount the mower deck onto the 3 pt hitch and use that to raise the deck? Tractor Supply sells a carry all frame for pretty cheap?

 

[EastTractor]

I do have a loader and have thought of lifting it that way. Do you attach the slings to the front or back of the mmm?

 

[MrJimi]

I do it with car ramps, impact wrench, safety glasses and leather gloves
Nothing to it but to do it

 

[Volfandt]

I use an air impact wrench to R&R the blades but I have also used a socket & ratchet and a block of wood to keep the blades from turning. While you have the blades and cups off is a good time to grease up the spindles as it's easier to see if your getting the spindles full.

To get the MMM positioned for easy serviceing I use the FEL to lift the MMM and I then install mower axles in the rear anti-scalp wheel sockets and set the MMM on end. The mower axles are good for servicing and stowage as I can easily roll the MMM out of the way for the winter.
Since you have a B series MMM, instead of useing the mower axles you can either lower the MMM just enough to where the rear of the MMM is resting on the ground whilst the front is suspended by the MMM. I've done this before without any issues -or- ueing the FEL, you can raise then lower the MMM and place it on the ground on it's top, exposing the blades for easy access.

I wouldn't worry too much about scratching. I use chains and haven't scratched the MMM yet, but after 3 yrs of use I do have various battle scars all over it

 

[bialecki]

Volfant, I thought you used Gator blades?

 

[Volfandt]

Busted
I do!
The pic of my MMM standing on the mower axles is when it was still a virgin brand new mower (Dec 2004) and hadn't yet tasted the sweet nothings of the slaying of the grass
It still had the std OEM blades (that worked pretty well btw) and you can also see my failed attempt at fab'ing up a mulch plate too.
I sure wish that MMM looked that good 3 seasons later

The 1st two pics is after a yr of use but I still had the std blades on then too.
I guess I goota use newer pics
Those gatorblades I use aren't coming off. One would have to pry them off of my poor tired ole hands 1st

 

[bialecki]

Busted

Those gatorblades I use aren't coming off. One would have to pry them off of my poor tired ole hands 1st

Based on your recommendation I bought two sets for my B7800. They are great! Strapped the 60" MMM up to the FEL and used my impact changed the blades and I was off and cutting with no or minimal grass clippings.

 

[bigdad]

Don't hesitate to use that loader for a lot of things. That's how I get the 60" MMM off of my 7510. I take it off for snow season.

Attached is a photo of my deck dolly. It gives me a better way to stow as well as work on the deck. You may want to check out the post on cleaning the bottom of the mower decks too.

 

[EastTractor]

Thank you all for your help.