Zero Turn Blade Changing Ideas

[LarryBud]

Hey Folks,

I have a 52" Gravely. Last time I changed the mower blades ( I have two sets ) with sharpened blades I removed the deck, flipped the deck up on the side and proceeded as described in the manual. Removing and reinstalling the deck, belts, springs is no small job on this model. It seems like way too much work for sharp cutting blades.

I was thinking of just using my loader to lift up the front, blocking it somehow and changing them right there. Any better ideas? Other thoughts.

 

[Flintknapper]

Yes, come up with something.

Just be sure to block it well or otherwise secure the deck.

I use an engine hoist to lift the front of my Scag and just change the blades that way.

Just hook onto an eye-bolt I installed and lift it.

 

[LarryBud]

Yes, come up with something.

Just be sure to block it well or otherwise secure the deck.

I use an engine hoist to lift the front of my Scag and just change the blades that way.

Just hook onto an eye-bolt I installed and lift it.

View attachment 144869 View attachment 144870

I like it. Thanks.

 

[dragfan66]

I have used a loader several times at the farm to do exactly that. I raise it up until the rear bumper is about on the ground. I rotate the spindles to get a feel for any problems with the bearings first.
Then swap the blades quickly without exposing myself to possible chain or loader failure.

At home, I use a MoJack.

 

[Chad D.]

I just drive one caster up on a car ramp.

 

[InTheWoods]

Hey Folks,

I have a 52" Gravely...

...Any better ideas?

Buy a Kubota?

 

[jyoutz]

I have a chain hoist attached to the trusses in my barn. I just lift the mower that way.

 

[Marky]

I just roll a floorjack under the front and lift it enough to get an impact wrench onto the bolts. Couple of minutes and i’m done…

 

[Mowbizz]

Mo-jack here and worth every penny…

 

[Old Machinist]

I use car ramps and a creeper to change the blades on my MMM.

I also use a short piece of chain with hooks on both ends to hold the blades secure while I torque the bolts.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I just roll mine off the side of the mountain.... Oh wait... maybe that was an accident and not maintenance.

 

[Mowbizz]

I just roll mine off the side of the mountain.... Oh wait... maybe that was an accident and not maintenance.

Been there done that!

 

[Flintknapper]

I just drive one caster up on a car ramp.

^^^^

That's what I do to clean the underside of the deck. IF you wash it with a hose immediately after mowing, it cleans very easily and quickly.

If you wait until it dries and builds up, then you have scrape it.

Much easier to 'maintain' things then have to fix something later.

Cleaning the deck takes no more than 5 minutes for me and I am 'ready' to mow next time.

 

[DustyRusty]

I drive it onto my 4-post lift.

 

[jyoutz]

I drive it onto my 4-post lift.

Show off

 

[Outnumbered]

Chain, battery impact wrench and two jack stands and I am done in a few minutes.

 

[mikester]

Buy a Kubota?

View attachment 144871

Good for your midget slaves to work under

 

[Flintknapper]

Chain, battery impact wrench and two jack stands and I am done in a few minutes.
View attachment 144899

Great picture. That is about the same angle I lift my Scag using an engine hoist. Easy access to the blades. I don't give 'Blade Changes' any thought....since it can be accomplished in less than 10 minutes.

I always have a couple of sets of spare blades sharpened and ready to install. I will put about 200 hours per year on my Zero Turn maintaining our lawn and property. So I need a quick and safe way to change blades.

 

[LarryBud]

Lot's of good ideas shared. Thank you to all who replied. I think my first mistake was reading the Owners Manual.

 

[InTheWoods]

Good for your midget slaves to work under

Ha.

I do have to get down on the driveway, but there's plenty room to get the blades on and off...

And, I'm confident it won't crash down on me.