drewd 55 #1 Posted June 30, 2019 Hi, I have an old 36" deck that has the double D pullies. I am using this deck for the hanger and a few other parts to rebuild another deck. The center drive pulley is proving difficult to remove (sure it's been on for many years). It's in good shape so I would like to remove it without damage. I have a puller but wanted to check in for any tricks or tips on safely removing. Any ideas are greatly appreciated. Thanks for everyone for the help! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,022 #2 Posted June 30, 2019 I puller should be ok, as long as you don't sue power tools on the forcing screw and go slow. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,045 #3 Posted June 30, 2019 You might be OK using a puller but I usually apply some 'up' pressure with a couple chisels under the pulley and tapping on a bolt screwed into the shaft. Soak it first with PB or whatever and do NOT use too much force. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,647 #4 Posted June 30, 2019 As said above too much force and cast iron pulleys break they don't bend. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LengerichKA88 1,883 #5 Posted June 30, 2019 You plan on keeping that pulley for the other deck? If not I know someone who would be happy to pay you for it if it’s useable. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,583 #6 Posted June 30, 2019 having done this a few times , after initial soaking with penetrate oil, and removing top nut, i use 2 , two angle pry bars under the pulley , VERY GENTLY , AND EVENLY APPLY DOWNWARD PRESSURE, WILL RELEASE THIS PULLEY. ANOTHER DETAIL IS TO PUT YOUR PRY BARS ON THE TOP OF THE SPINDLE TO DECK MOUNTING BOLTS , UNDER THE PULLEY . THAT GIVES YOU MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE, MAKING IT VERY EASY. ITS EASY TO BEND A PULLEY, SO GO SLOW AND EASY . THIS HAS WORKED VERY WELL FOR ME , IT SHOULD WORK FOR YOU , PETE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #7 Posted June 30, 2019 It it is a cast iron pulley, a puller will likely break it....cast iron does NOT flex...it only breaks. (1)Drive a couple WOOD wedges under the edge...between deck and pulley. (2)thread bolt in to within a couple turns of 'seated'. (3) whack the hex head of the bolt, protecting the internal threads. that should make eonough 'shock' to realeas the pulley. I suggest the same approach even with a stamped steel pulley...avoid bending it . 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drewd 55 #8 Posted July 2, 2019 Thanks for the tips. I am soaking now and will give it some time and begin to gentle work on the pully. I will be selling this one along with a very nice cast double d center pully to help pay for the rebuild on the other deck. Thanks again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
drewd 55 #9 Posted July 2, 2019 On 6/30/2019 at 9:08 AM, LengerichKA88 said: You plan on keeping that pulley for the other deck? If not I know someone who would be happy to pay you for it if it’s useable. LengerichA88, yes I will be selling this once removed. I have a cast one as well. Not sure the value and am looking into what these normally sell for. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 925 #10 Posted July 5, 2019 Soak it with Kroil for multiple days and then put some heat to it. I was able to get mine off but it was a bear and I may have trashed it. I agree with others, do not use a puller, you will trash the pulley. I found a used one here on RS, but you do not have to use double D pulleys unless you have a deck where the blades will hit each other (the old gear driven type). The use of double D pulleys were a hold over from the older deck designs. Newer decks got rid of double D and keys and finally used only round shafts and pulleys. Friction was enough to hold everything together and if the blades slipped a bit when you hit an immovable object it was not a problem as the decks were designed for the blade tips to clear by 1/8 inch or so. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,045 #11 Posted July 6, 2019 16 hours ago, doc724 said: Soak it with Kroil for multiple days and then put some heat to it. I was able to get mine off but it was a bear and I may have trashed it. I agree with others, do not use a puller, you will trash the pulley. I found a used one here on RS, but you do not have to use double D pulleys unless you have a deck where the blades will hit each other (the old gear driven type). The use of double D pulleys were a hold over from the older deck designs. Newer decks got rid of double D and keys and finally used only round shafts and pulleys. Friction was enough to hold everything together and if the blades slipped a bit when you hit an immovable object it was not a problem as the decks were designed for the blade tips to clear by 1/8 inch or so. Dang! I never thought about using round hole pulleys on a double D shaft but I don't see why it wouldn't work. For some reason I've been having fits with my grandsons Commando 800 deck. The center deck pulley keeps self destructing and I just can't find a reason why. Those two belt double D pulleys are hard to find and pricy. I just finished up fixing it again a couple weeks ago and it's working fine but if it tears up again...……... Sorry, a bit off subject here. Some good ideas here on getting it off. I find that wood is too shock absorbing but it would be safer. My method has worked every time with no damage but do whatever you are comfortable with. The important thing is finesse and not brute force. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,091 #12 Posted July 6, 2019 On 7/2/2019 at 6:23 AM, drewd said: soaking now and will give it some time and begin to gentle work on the pully. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 2,022 #13 Posted July 6, 2019 (edited) 2 hours ago, 953 nut said: Right, that's what the acetylene torch is for. Pyro-focus say enough heat can undo in minutes what man and nature took centuries to do. Edited July 6, 2019 by adsm08 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
