Update: RC54-71B side blade spindle nut--reverse threaded

[rustythread]

Really dumb**s question, but this is the place for it:
I'm iin the process of deconstructing this MMM after catastrophic metal fatigue failure of the deck shell. I'm presently trying to remove the two side pulley/spindle assemblies to see if they are salvageable. On the top end of each spindle is a nut with lock washer. That nut is really on tight, and don't want to hit it the wrong way with the impact wrench. What little thread is visible on that end of the spindle is very fine and my vision is exxtremely poor. I can't see if that thread is right-hand or left-hand. Looking down from the top, the blade and spindle would normally rotate clockwise, so would the top nut necessarily tighten counter-clockwise and loosen clockwise? Anybody know for sure which way these nuts go?

Thanks again

UPDATE 01/19/21

Both left and right blade spindle nuts are reverse threaded--came off with clockwise rotation. Newly acquired impact wrench made it easy--shoulda bought one of these fifty years ago!
Thanks to all who responded.

 

[DustyRusty]

Left-handed nuts usually have a line carved into the side of the flats for identification. My guess is that they are regular right-handed nuts. My suggestion would to be to put some heat on them first because many times they are installed with Locktite so they don't come off. Heat them up, put a box wrench on the nut, and give the box wrench a wrap with a dead blow hammer in the counterclockwise direction. Doing it this way you are less likely to damage anything. The sharp blow will usually knock it loose. It will take a fair amount of heat if they were set with Locktite.

 

[lugbolt]

I don't remember the RC51, however I remember this. Usually if the discharge chute is on the RH side (as you are traveling forward in the normal direction) the threads are RH. If the discharge is on the LH side, they're usually LH threads on the blades. Rear discharge, every one that I've dealt with was RH thread.

One exception: T-80 series decks, both the 42" and 48" twin blade. They rotate the RH blade in the normal direction (RH threads) but the LH blade turns backwards, and has LH threads. Deere had a similar design on some of the 42" infinity decks, but they had a timing belt. I hope they are all rusted out by now. JUNK!