Mower question

[mikeyis4dcats.]

So I've got a 3 year old Craftsman yard tractor. About 100hrs on it, and i think one of the spindles is shot already. Doesn't turn easily and is loud when the blades are turned off and the belt stops.

Anyhow, why in the hell would this have gone bad so quick (but of course after warranty expired)?

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by Buzz

First, does it cut okay? Second, do you have excessive vibration? If no, your good.

had some vibration before I pulled and reset the blades this weekend, was better after.

[LOCOChief]

The blade fits over a star or notch's that hold it in place. If the blade is not attached properly they strip out, blades off balance and that sounds like what you've described.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

had some vibration before I pulled and reset the blades this weekend, was better after.

You cant reset blades, sharpening wrong puts them out of balance.

[mikeyis4dcats.]

Originally Posted by Buzz

You cant reset blades, sharpening wrong puts them out of balance.

reset as in I removed them and then reinstgalled them after looking them over good.

[Buzz]

Originally Posted by mikeyis4dcats.

reset as in I removed them and then reinstgalled them after looking them over good.

belt, spindle, blade, one of 3 is bad, look closer.

[kccrow]

Check balance first... watch this vid... its kinda what you want... Unlike this guy, clean your blades before balancing. I like to backgrind my blades similar to what you do with moulder knives... you can look up backgrinding but its basically start with like a 25 degree grind to rough grind then finish grind at 20 degrees... it strengthens the sharpened edge.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK2bo3esbAI

[Buzz]

If it's the spindle and you have never taken the blades off, plan on a break over bar and a sledge hammer. Use bailing wire to hold the linkage up when taking the deck out and putting it back in, pay attention to the linkage placement and clips. The spring goes under and not over.