RC72 Mower Deck - middle blade loose and will not tighten

[Daren Todd]

How much would it be for a new spindle?

Usually it's just a matter of removing the mower deck. Unbolting the old one and bolting the new one in it's place. Seems like it would cost you more to take it to a shop and let them tear into it and rebuild the existing one and hope for the best. Just my 2 cents

 

[Tooljunkie]

I was able to replace the worn bearings in the lower pulley holder and put everything back together. The blade tightened back up and the mower worked great for a couple weeks.

I just noticed today that the middle blade was not cutting well and when I checked the blade it was loose again. Not sure what is going on. I may have to bite the bullet and send to a shop for a more professional examination.

I do not know if there is something in the gearbox that is bad that would cause the shaft to drop or slightly or if the bearing went out again. I am almost too frustrated to take it apart again.

Should have replaced both bearings,actually all the deck bearings would be a good idea. Pull the spindle/quill assembly/bearing housing and tear it apart again. I find a good 1/2" impact is handy to get pulley nut off.