gregarth
New member
Trying to replace the blades on my John Deere Z445, but can't get the bolts to break loose. Don't want to overturn the bolts. Any suggestions?
Removing Z445 blades
- Thread starter gregarth
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Gary Fowler
Super Star Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2008
- Messages
- 11,917
- Location
- Bismarck Arkansas
- Tractor
- 2009 Kubota RTV 900, 2009 Kubota B26 TLB & 2010 model LS P7010
I don't know about your mower, but all my mowers have standard right hand threads ( some my have left hand threads). I use a light duty Chicago Pneumatic 1/2" drive (Walmart special) impact to remove and tighten my blades so I don't have to try to hold the blade to keep it from turning. This removes and tightens them securely. If you have a compressor, I would strongly suggest that you get an impact gun for this task. It makes the job so much easier and faster.
I use my FEL to raise my mowers by chaining around the front axles and lifting them to about 45 degrees. I always keep a spare set of blades so I can quickly remove and reinstall a sharp blade. Impact off the bolt, put on sharp blade, impact to tighten, move to next blade. It takes me less than 5 minutes to change out the 3 blades. This also minimizes the time the engine is tilted up. I allow a few minutes for the oil to settle back down while I put away my tools or maybe even sharpen the old blades while I am at the task before moving the mower.
I use my FEL to raise my mowers by chaining around the front axles and lifting them to about 45 degrees. I always keep a spare set of blades so I can quickly remove and reinstall a sharp blade. Impact off the bolt, put on sharp blade, impact to tighten, move to next blade. It takes me less than 5 minutes to change out the 3 blades. This also minimizes the time the engine is tilted up. I allow a few minutes for the oil to settle back down while I put away my tools or maybe even sharpen the old blades while I am at the task before moving the mower.
RetiredCarGuy
Silver Member
- Joined
- May 2, 2014
- Messages
- 116
- Location
- New York State
- Tractor
- John Deere X575 4X4 and GT235 6 speed, plus an old Allis Chalmers
A 1/2 inch drive breaker bar works just fine for me to loosen them. I block the blades with a 2X6 cutoff, if needed. For the new blades install, first set the blades and torque to the required value. Block only after the blade is fully seated. Done!
Hint: A pair of work gloves will save any cuts and scrapes on sharp steel and gator/mulcher blades. If your deck is attached, always disable spark plug wires first!!