servicing belly mower

[jyoutz]

I would like to know what techniques people use to service their belly mower (clean, sharpen blades, ect...) I have my belly deck off the tractor and I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to lift the unit to remove blades. I can jack it up, but its pretty tough to really get it high enough to work underneath to remove the blades. I can grunt it around but thats too tough on my back (I wrecked my back a few years back in an accident). No, I don't have a loader to help out. I'm just posting this to see if someone has any great ideas that I haven't thought of.

 

[gator2]

You may want to get yourself a small chain-hoist, (it's much easier than a come-a-long) and use a tree limb (sizeable) to attach to and hoist it up to service. I've used this method for some time on both a ztr mower and a belly mower. I just purchased a new tractor with loader which will make this a whole lot easier. I,ve seen these small chain-hoist at flea markets for around $30.

 

[Ian]

I've had good results in getting off old grass and assorted crud with a pressure washer. Takes 1/2 the time that using an old hockey stick did, and does a better job./w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif
For sharpening I've been using 4 1/2 inch metal polishing disks on a hand held angle grinder. These disks have 120 grit sandpaper folded over and over into "pleats" around the outer inch of the disk; they leave a mirror finish on the blades and never overheat the metal. (cost about $5 ea.)
For ease of service, I hoist the mower with the loader...saves the back...

 

[scruffy]

jyouts, never tried this on a Kubota, but I used to have an 18 horse garden tractor with a 52" mowing deck. I built a timber ramp to drive it up on rather than drop the bottom mower (pain in the hind-side). I could do most service on the deck via that ramp! Changing belts or spindles (mowing part) was a pain any way you looked at it. Dad burned spindles were a c-note each, and always lost one a season, plus 2 or 3 big belts @ $35/40 a pop, until I got smart and went to a truck parts supply house, where they were 8-10 bucks each. Without the FEL, it does create more of a challenge!

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I remove the 60" belly mower from my BX1800 then pick it up from the front in the middle to stand it on edge, I then take a piece of treated 4x6 I cut to purfect length and prop it under the gear box. The mower stands with no problem, I then use my pressure washer along with some simple green and a soft brush to get the crud off. I let it set in the sun to dry and then give it some shots of synthetic grease.