The way dealer interpreted that step (although I am pretty certain he read exactly 0% of any instructions): "Put your air wrench on every bolt you can find & crank those puppies down until the head edges dig in to the paint." :indifferent: This has been a good reminder for me that I need to stick tight to one of my core life philosophies: don't trust anyone!
Texasmark, that is what I was afraid was going to happen if something didn't get loosened -- I kept looking back there nervously, not liking that there was no give point to dissipate that force. I might not be an expert mechanic, but I'm good at physics (especially good at demonstrating them through failure, heh). The previous bushhog I used had the swinging u-joint at the top, which I really liked too. I may look in to adding that in once I stop having to give all my money to the vet (hahahha, like accident-addicted horse is ever going to give up his campaign).
ETA --

about the tires & glad none of them blew up in your face before you discovered it!