Changing Blades on Kubota Z125S

[HillStreet]

I will service my zero turn mower before storing it for the winter, and I知 thinking about putting on new blades. I do not have an impact socket so I have to use a 1/2 inch drive ratchet. Is the job doable with this arrangement? Thanks

 

[D2Cat]

Just put a block of wood, like a 2x4, between the tip of the blade your removing and the metal housing. Turn counterclockwise.

 

[Pete6114]

I might use a Impact to remove the bolt, but never to tighten it. I torque them to 72 - 87 lb-ft after sharpening them, according to the manual for my F2690 deck.
Use a chunk of wood, like D2 said above.

 

[HillStreet]

I might use a Impact to remove the bolt, but never to tighten it. I torque them to 72 - 87 lb-ft after sharpening them, according to the manual for my F2690 deck.

As I said, I don’t have an impact. I remember taking off blades on an old Troy-Bill and it would not come off. I actually split the nut with a chisel. I just don’t want the same experience here with the Kubota.

 

[HillStreet]

Just put a block of wood, like a 2x4, between the tip of the blade your removing and the metal housing. Turn counterclockwise.

I will try that but just don’t want to end up not getting the nuts off. Years ago I could not free the nuts on an old Troy-Bill.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The nuts should not be frozen in place and should come off easily.

I long ago quite using a ratchet and wooden block to remove these. A cheap (about $20)1/2" drive impact from Harbor Freight or Chicago Pneumatic impact from Walmart will loosen and tighten these easily without danger of over torque. I impact them just enough to ensure they are tight (about 2 seconds after snug) and never had any issue with over torque or broken bolts.
If you have a compressor, then a $20 investment is cheap to insure no busted knuckles or cuts from a sharp blade.

On the other hand if you don't have a compressor, a battery powered impact gun will work also but a good one will set you back $100-200.

 

[AllDodge]

Kubota sure gets me with the 72 - 87 ft lb's, using a large hex head with a small bolt. My huster blades go OFF and ON with a impact. The bolt is large and not going to snap it off with a 1/2 drive impact.

Every mower I've owned I always had an extra set of blades. Jack or lift the mower and in 10 minutes the blades are changed. Then the old blades get sharpened and are ready for the next time, except for the Kubota, takes longer because I have to use the torque wrench

 

[HillStreet]

The nuts should not be frozen in place and should come off easily.

I long ago quite using a ratchet and wooden block to remove these. A cheap (about $20)1/2" drive impact from Harbor Freight or Chicago Pneumatic impact from Walmart will loosen and tighten these easily without danger of over torque. I impact them just enough to ensure they are tight (about 2 seconds after snug) and never had any issue with over torque or broken bolts.
If you have a compressor, then a $20 investment is cheap to insure no busted knuckles or cuts from a sharp blade.

On the other hand if you don't have a compressor, a battery powered impact gun will work also but a good one will set you back $100-200.

I don’t have a compressor but once I tried a pancake compressor and it would not operate the impact gun. I do have a Porter Cable impact driver, you say that will do it?

 

[D2Cat]

Just buy a 1/2" breakover bar. Better leverage than a ratchet, inexpensive.

 

[HillStreet]

Just buy a 1/2" breakover bar. Better leverage than a ratchet, inexpensive.

That decides it. I’ll get one and do the job with it. I just thought I’d get the mower serviced now and put it away ready for spring. Thanks for the suggestions to everybody.