Cub 22 sickle mower

[cdd]

After cutting yesterday with it, the shaft stopped rotating and was binding up. It would not move. I could put a large adjustable wrench on it an force it to turn. Today I took the cutter head off and the pitman off, the rear pully off and want to pull the shaft out. It is just press fit in the front and rear bushings?
What is the best way to pull that shaft and weight out? Of course towards the front of the tractor

thanks

[tmays]

Just to clarify- you’ve tried turning the shaft after removing the cutter bar? Cutter bar can get in a bind with grass and stop turning, is why I ask. I’d say it’s very unusual for the shaft to freeze up, but of course anything is possible. Have you been greasing it? I would grease it liberally, hook it back up without cutter, and see if it turns. Shaft would ordinarily just slide out, but if it’s frozen…

[cdd]

Yes the bar is off and plenty of grease.

Should I be able to tap on the rear of the shaft to get it out? Protecting threads of course.

[cdd]

A little heat to loosen grease and whatever and a little persuasion I got it out. Cleaned shaft and tube and new zerks and heavy dousing of grease and it moves as it should. Could stand to replace bushings but at over $80 a piece I can wait.