Why on earth do they use round headed bolts to secure the blades on a rotary cutter? I took a 4 inch grinder to the bolt head to make 2 flat spots so the pipe wrench could get a bite. I have pounded on the nuts with an impact and it will not come apart. Now I can not get the socket off. PB Blaster does not seam to help. Is there any problem with just cutting them off with a torch?
There are various types of bolts used to secure rough cutter blades to the blade carrier. All have some provision to prevent the bolts from turning.
I have never found blade bolts that I could not remove with a GOOD air impact wrench but you will need adequate air pressure, a 3/8"+ air hose that is not too long and NO EXTENSION. A six point impact socket is much preferred.
If you have stripped the "key," allowing the bolt(s) to turn you will likely need to torch yours out. No need to worry about damage to gearbox seals considering the mass involved and the distance. At this point, forget about the torque multiplier.
Yes, it is good practice to use new bolts each time the blades are R & R'ed, and a liberal application of anti seize will make the job much easier next time.
