Grading Blade removal

[dvj500]

Trying to remove the blades from my cub cadet 1042. need help.

 

[rcbe]

Trying to remove the blades from my cub cadet 1042. need help.

This is done best with deck removed or tractor up on jackstands to allow access to underside of deck.

Take a 2x4 wood block about 6-12 inches long and use it to wedge the blade with the deck . Then, looking at the top of the bolt head, remember lefty-loosey, righty-tighty. when loosening the bolt..

Use a good wrench and wear gloves.. those blades are sharp.

Check your owner's manual - above instructions should be in there in detail with pixs/diagrams. Use a torque wrench to tighten bolt correctly when re-assembling.

 

[Dave01]

A breaker bar and a 1 1/8" socket are a big help with blade removal. The bar is longer than a wrench or ratchet so you get a lot more leverage, and the socket gets your hand a few inches away from the blades and deck which minimized knuckle busters.

Not too expensive, and well worth it.

 

[savageactor7]

You can also slip a length of pipe over extending the breaker bar for extra leverage. Be advised I've broken many sockets like that over the years but still I do it cause most times it works well. Before reassembling put some never-seize on those threads and next time the blades will come off easier.

 

[Dave01]

You know, I always never-seize deck bolts, my dad always did and I just continued doing it, certainly makes things easier.

There is no pipe too long to add to a rachet or breaker bar to do the job!

 

[Vernonator]

Two Words....Impact Wrench...

 

[JSharp]

Yeah.

1. Impact wrench
2. Anti-seize

 

[Dave01]

I've never owned an impact wrench, my mistake, that is obviously the best way to go. Right now I have 3 tractors in 3 locations so even if I had one I'm sure it wouldn't be where I needed it! I keep the breaker bar and socket with my regular tools so its always with me.

The only time I've really struggled with deck bolts is when I first buy the tractors and deal with someone else's neglect, then once I never-seize them no more problems.

 

[diesel_nut]

I've never owned an impact wrench, my mistake, that is obviously the best way to go. Right now I have 3 tractors in 3 locations so even if I had one I'm sure it wouldn't be where I needed it! I keep the breaker bar and socket with my regular tools so its always with me.

The only time I've really struggled with deck bolts is when I first buy the tractors and deal with someone else's neglect, then once I never-seize them no more problems.

Some places have a pretty cheap Campbell Hausfeld kit that works well for basic work. I have one and really like it.
-compressor
-impact wrench(gun actually)
-nail gun
-air attachments
-teflon tape, etc

All for a pretty inexpensive price.

For general home garage stuff it is more than enough.

I see this being you in the near future: (Disregard ugly green tractor in background)
http://www.cpocampbellhausfeld.com/images/lifestyle/daryl_and_his_mower.jpg

 

[kthompson]

Totally agree with impact wrench. Only problem is the extra height they need over a ratchet. But you don't have to block blade or try to hold it. If you use impact wrench DO NOT try to hold blade from turning and be sure extra hand and body are below the blade just in case.