Service Manual

MOWER DECKS
6 - 4 Mid-Mount Z Service Manual
Spindle Repair
1. Stop the engine, remove the key and engage the
parking brake.
2. Remove covers from the cutting unit.
3. Using a floor jack raise the machine until you can
access the underside the cutting unit.
4. Support the machine using a properly rated jack
stand.
5. Inspect the assembly before removing. Look for
the following:
A. Bent or damaged blade.
B. Missing or unused grease zerk.
C. String, wire, rope, etc. wrapped around the
spindle under the deck.
6. Remove the drive belt(s) from the pulley. Consult
the machine owner’s manual for this procedure.
7. Remove the nut and washer retaining the spindle
pulley. Then remove the pulley from the shaft
(Figure 121).
Figure 121
1101-002
8. Unbolt the spindle housing from the deck. Place
spindle assembly on a bench or in a vise and
remove the blade.
9. Remove the spindle shaft from the spindle
housing. It may need to be pressed out of the
housing. Note: The lower bearing spacer will
remain on the spindle shaft.
10. Inspect the spindle shaft for the following (Figure
122):
A. Elongated grease axis hole (A) - Normally this
hole is perfectly round if it is deformed it is
directly a result of impact.
B. Damaged splines (B) - If the splines are
twisted, it is a sign of impact. If they are worn,
it’s an indication that the assembly was
running with the pulley loose.
C. Damaged shaft (C) - When the shaft is worn
at the point where the upper bearing is located
in the assembly, it is a result of the assembly
running loose.
There are two causes for this:
1. Improper torque on the pulley retention
nut. This allows individual components of
the assembly to move and wear against
other components.
2. Impacts cause the shaft to stretch, which
will lessen the clamp load and cause the
assembly to wear as if the nut did not have
proper torque.
Figure 122
1101-006
A
B
C