36" mower deck (RM-366) issues/questions

[Ponyboy 64]

2 minutes into my project and I'm already making it harder on myself LOL. As I've mentioned before, still new to this whole garden tractor and mower deck stuff.

 

First issue that I haven't even started to research yet is a sheared bolt for one of the deck blades...I need to figure out how to get that out (I've got some ideas).

 

Bigger question I have is now that the blades are off, one of the blade cups' is both sitting higher than the other and I can lift it about a 1/2" up, exposing part of the shaft inside (but it doesn't come off). The one on the left is snug and doesn't lift (that's the one with the sheared bolt inside it). 

 

Does that right-side blade cup just need to be gently tapped down (as well as those roll pins) so it's re-seated again? 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,048]

 

[Ponyboy 64]

Thanks for the response and link, Ed - I’ve actually ‘owned’ the manual for the deck longer than I’ve owned the deck itself - I just can’t tell from the diagrams how the cup is secured (and why I have one loose and one that’s not when the blades are off).

[Ed Kennell 38,048]

I never worked on one of these decks, but looking at the manual,  it appears the entire spindle assembly i.e. gear, spacers,bearings,cup , and blade are held together by a snap ring above the gear and the blade bolt on the bottom.       

 

Other gear drive deck gurus should be along soon to offer advice.

[squonk 41,040]

I had had those decks where the cups either fit loose or really tight. When they slide right off it is usually from wear. when they are stuck it's usually rust.

 

The one that's on the right side of your picture you will probably need to take the cover off of the gear the spindle shaft will slide in the upper gear and the key that connects the spindle to the gear may have fallen out. Those bottom cups are supposed to look like the other side so the blade engages with the pins and the spindle itself. The cup and blade actually hold everything together along with the snap ring on top. 

 

As far as getting that broken bolt out, try to find another spindle. Maybe you can get that broken piece out but you want good threads holding that blade on. You will have to tap on that spindle to drive it out of that cup. when you get things together the blades need to be timed 90 degrees apart otherwise they will hit each other. Go to a home improvement store and get a box of rags. you'll need them.

Edited April 20, 2022 by squonk

[Ed Kennell 38,048]

To remove the broken bolt,  I would place a nut 1/2" over the bolt and weld it fast.   The heating and cooling may help to loosen it enough to back it out with the nut.

[Ponyboy 64]

Thanks for the replies! I was able to work a little bit on it yesterday - got the covers off the top and it looks like I lost the key on both sides (the spindle shafts have dropped down), so I'll need to replace those. The grease fitting on the belt-side spindle had worked its way off and was just laying on its side, and the other side had its ring clip torn off and sticking out of the grease. I'm going to try and do some work on it over the weekend.

 

 

 

As for the sheared bolt, I think I read somewhere those spindle shafts (#3724) are NLA, can anyone confirm that? I don't have welding experience or tools as Ed suggested - was contemplating using a bit extractor after soaking it for a few days in penetrating oil (was going to get a hold of some Kroil) but I feel like I should have the shaft removed for the process due to tapping the extractor in (worried about damaging any more parts). 

 

[Ed Kennell 38,048]

Sounds like you are on your way to rebuilding this deck.   Since you do not have the necessary tools, I would take the spindle to a machine shop where they can easily remove the broken bolt w/o any damage to the spindle threads.          The bolt will need to be milled and center drilled for the proper size bolt extractor.   Or burn it out.