Woods RD990X Finishing Mower Blade Removal

[VOL54]

I am writing this in hopes that someone can offer a solution. I'm not sure who the engineer is at Woods Equipment who designed the RD990X finishing mower with the "QUICK CHANGE" blades, but he needs to be looking for a new line of work. The fasteners that hold the blades on has a special bolt that goes thru the, for lack of a better term, wing on the spindle, with a nut on the top side. This nut is between the blade and the bottom side of the deck, with less than an inch of clearance to insert the wrench. Note that I said wrench....there is no room for a socket/ratchet/pullbar, and certainly not an impact wrench. But the main issue is that the blades swing like a bush hog and I can't seem to find a way to keep the blades and spindle from turning while I loosen the nut.

Has anyone had any experience with this and do you have a good solution for the blade removal?

P.S.....I called Woods and no one seemed to know of a good solution.

Thanks.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Ya. I'd either cut access holes to get to the lock bolt, or find a new threaded bolt and nut to replace the 'quick' blade pin and still cut an access hole like a bush hog. Terrible design.

For those who don't know what it looks like : Woods RD990X Operator's Manual (Page 17 of 48) | ManualsLib

 

[Xfaxman]

Use a pipe wrench or a big C clamp on the "wing".

 

[Xfaxman]

A long screw driver, flat bar or wrench against the spindle on the other bolt would keep it from turning:

 

[gstrom99]

Yeah, looks like a not-so "new and improved" design. Never heard of a "Nylock" bolt - how does that work/help? Certainly not like a Nylock NUT... What happens when the pin is rusted/stuck?

 

[Midniteoyl]

Yeah, looks like a not-so "new and improved" design. Never heard of a "Nylock" bolt - how does that work/help? Certainly not like a Nylock NUT... What happens when the pin is rusted/stuck?

Pretty sure it's just a bolt with threadlock already on it.

 

[Williy]

Maybe some clamps and a block of wood?
works for me

willy

 

[Mertz]

1st time I changed mine on the RD990X, had to get some lengths of 2x4 wood. Set against the wing, and to the front of the deck. Maybe 18" long for the side spindles, & 30" long for the middle one?
Then for the bolts, I ended up having to use a standard short 3/4" socket & a breaker bar. Ratchet I had would not fit height wise, plus the breaker bar was longer for more leverage.
When putting the bolts back in, use some Never Seize on the threads. That way the next time you take them off, you can simply hold onto the wing with one hand & wrench with the other.
Have had mine on & off 6 times or so now. Put some of the Never Seize on the bolts each time.

 

[Engineer42]

I shortened a socket to fit with long breaker bar on my 990. Worked for me.

 

[IndyJay]

Yeah, that looks real "quick"...
The 'NeverSeize' is great stuff, I use it on everything that is prone to rusting on threads.
Once you break it loose you can unthread it by hand regardless of how bad it looks.
Very messy so wear nitrile gloves or it will be everywhere.