Woods RD990X Finishing Mower Blade Removal

[VOL54]

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.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm open to any and all ideas to make it easier. First time I had to return it to the dealer. Never did get a response as to how they removed the blades. Must not have been any easier for them.

 

[N750A]

Getting those bolts out didn't help me remove the blades at all! Once I got them and the blade pin locks out, I couldn't get the blade pins out! I tried rust penetrating oil, prying, tapping, heating, etc., but nothing worked. (These blades had not been changed in years and likely the pins are rusted in-place.)

I'm wondering if I can go above the deck, and drop the entire spindle assembly down and remove it from below, blades and all? If that's possible, then I could put the pins in a hydraulic press and push them out? I'd definitely put some anti-seize on those pins when they went back in!

Any other suggestions appreciated.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

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

Agreed. I have no idea how many cars I've cut access holes to get at the crank bolt to change timing belts so as to save the hassle of lifting the engine up and off of its motor mounts.

Meanwhile, my own odyssey changing out my Woods BB720X blades made me question the fools who designed the access cover and the fool who bought the thing (me).