Speaking of mower blades

btolle · Dec 15, 2004

On my old Murray and the 2 newer Sears mowers I put on a pair of leather gloves, raised the deck to the highest setting, use a 9/16" socket and ratchet, hold one end of the blade with one hand (remember the gloves?), and take the bolt out that holds the blade(s) on. BTW, I have to lay on the ground to do this.

I also put a light coat of grease on the blade bolt before reinstalling so it won't be too hard to get off next time. I go through at least 2 sets of blades a year because the sand eats the ends of them off pretty quickly.

Check the deck for a decal that shows the belt routing. If it is not there then hand draw a picture for yourself for future reference, you will most surely need that information some day. The last Sears I had needed a new belt at 3 years old but I use it a lot since we mow nearly year around in East Texas.

Bill Tolle

johndeere2210 · Dec 17, 2004

I bought an electric hoist from HF for $80, mounted it through the ceiling into the rafters of my shop. Drive the mower under the hoist, throw a lifting strap around the front axle and hoist her up. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I do put a couple of safety stands under the front wheels.

GerardC · Dec 17, 2004

( I bought an electric hoist from HF for $80, mounted it through the ceiling into the rafters of my shop. Drive the mower under the hoist, throw a lifting strap around the front axle and hoist her up. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I do put a couple of safety stands under the front wheels. )

This is what I do /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif. G

LBrown59 · Dec 18, 2004

( I bought an electric hoist from HF for $80, mounted it through the ceiling into the rafters of my shop. Drive the mower under the hoist, throw a lifting strap around the front axle and hoist her up. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif I do put a couple of safety stands under the front wheels. )=====-
How strong are the frafters?
How much weight will they support.?

johndeere2210 · Dec 19, 2004

LBrown59, The ceiling in my shop is 1/2" OSB on 24" centers. I nailed two eight foot 2/4's and straddled four ceiling joists then built U brackets to go over the "beam" and through the ceiling to attach to the hoist. I don't know what the load rating on the rafters are, but I have used the hoist on a JD 318 and did not have any sag or creaking. I use the hoist probably four or five times a week for things other than sharpening blades and have had no problems. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

LBrown59 · Dec 22, 2004

( LBrown59, The ceiling in my shop is 1/2" OSB on 24" centers. I nailed two eight foot 2/4's and straddled four ceiling joists then built U brackets to go over the "beam" and through the ceiling to attach to the hoist. I don't know what the load rating on the rafters are, but I have used the hoist on a JD 318 and did not have any sag or creaking. I use the hoist probably four or five times a week for things other than sharpening blades and have had no problems. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif )
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Thanks for this post.
I just wanted and idea of how I could put a hoist in my shop safely.
The last thing one wants is if for it to come crashing through the celing.

cleatus · Dec 26, 2004

If you don't have a lift. Drive mower into pickup, put saw horse under back of the boards you usedto load and push mower back onto these, now you can get to under side.