60 inch mower deck, center blade won't come off

[JBoche]

I have a B2650 and use a RCK60-30BA mower deck (60 inches). I do the regular maintenance every year in the Fall, take off the blades, sharpen them, grease everything and put it back together. This year, when I put the center blade back on, the nut holding the blade on just spins and won't tighten down. Just today, the center blade is loose and I cannot loosen the nut because the center spindle spins. Not sure I am describing this the right way - but I cannot get the blade off. Any good ideas?

I thought about replacing the spindle but I have no idea if that is the issue.

 

[85Hokie]

Are you using an pneumatic or electric impact? IF NOT - get one! The difference is night and day!!!
I have a cheap kawasaki electric impact, one click and those bolts are moving!!!!

 

[i7win7]

the nut holding the blade on just spins and won't tighten down. Just today, the center blade is loose and I cannot loosen the nut because the center spindle spins.

Sounds like a washer was left off, reason it wouldn't tighten down. Think you'll have to remove the deck so some type of strap wrench can be used to hold center pulley. If it's part of gearbox, a large screwdriver in u-joint housing may keep it from turning. I like to use never sieze on those bolts when I service deck.

 

[pdubya]

I take my blades off with the deck off and leaning against something. I take a piece of wood and wedge between outer blade and body of mower deck. Then it's basically held by the belt, and enough tension if using an impact. Also as above says, there are 2 concave washers that go on first, that to let the blade slip if you hit something.

 

[Henro]

I have a B2650 and use a RCK60-30BA mower deck (60 inches). I do the regular maintenance every year in the Fall, take off the blades, sharpen them, grease everything and put it back together. This year, when I put the center blade back on, the nut holding the blade on just spins and won't tighten down. Just today, the center blade is loose and I cannot loosen the nut because the center spindle spins. Not sure I am describing this the right way - but I cannot get the blade off. Any good ideas?

I thought about replacing the spindle but I have no idea if that is the issue.

You are saying the nut spins as you try to tighten it?

If that is the case, either the threads in the nut, or the spindle threads, or both are striped off...

Please verify what is spinning and what is not. It sounds like the nut is spinning when the spindle is not moving. Is this correct?