Woods mower blade bolts

[Jayruby360]

Just bought a 69 cub 154 lo boy. Has a woods mower tag on pto cover says woods 59lb but nothing on deck. Blades are worn out need replaced but I cannot get bolts off. I soaked overnight with pb blaster, Heated bolts with a torch used an impact that is rated at 550ft lbs, used a jack handle for a breaker bar, and nothing I’m a pretty big dude and gave it all I had it started twisting the ratchet where it plugs into socket. I read on here that they come loose opposite direction the blade turns. Some say only on one side etc etc. I’m very mechanically adept but I’m stumped on this one has anyone had this much trouble getting them off?

[john2189]

They do get tight. They should be right hand thread. So turn to the left to loosen. When you put back on, don’t tighten them too tight.

[Jayruby360]

I looked to see which way blades rotate and they turn right if looking down so they would be right hand thread bolts? I attempted to loosen one with an impact turning it left but was afraid to try too hard. The impact I have usually breaks a bolt Up to a 9/16 if it won’t come loose. I’m assuming it a 5/8 bolt since it takes a 15/16 socket. I’ll try again tomorrow. Thanks

[indy61]

Page 9 of the manual shows this.

Blade Servicing - Keep blades sharp for a good mowing job. Sharpen Both ends of the blade the same amount to maintain balance. Do not sharpen blade to a razor edge, but leave a 1/16" blunt edge. Do not sharpen back side of blade. When replacing blades, do not substitute any bolt for the special Nylok blade bolt. The Nylok bolt is self-locking, meeting the non-loosening requirements for this application. NOTICE■ On mowers with white frames, the blade bolts have left hand threads. 59 mowers use cup washers under blades. These Washers will burn and lose their clamping force if excess slippage occurs. Inspect and replace as necessary

Page 18 shows the blade bolt being 5/8 NC x 1-1/2 Nylok bolt

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/69796 ... 9lb-1.html

[indy61]

I attempted to loosen one with an impact turning it left but was afraid to try too hard.

Right hand thread bolts turn left to loosen, right to tighten.

[ajhbike]

Just went through the same thing yesterday with the C3 mower. I did as suggested here and jacked up the front of the deck as far as I could and I was able to remove the 2 outside blades but could not remove the bolts for the center rear blade. Took a time out to apply ice to my nose because one of the 3 foot pipes slipped on the wrench, and then crawled under it and sharpened it in place. If I had to remove I would have no choice but to remove the deck and get at it with good leverage angles. I was you...I would remove the deck

[john2189]

Like I said. When you put them back on, they don’t need to be that tight. I just snug them with my impact.

[Jayruby360]

So my deck without a doubt should be left hand thread bolts? I’ve read multiple threads about it and some say right some say left. I’m gonna try to apply heat again with a oxy acetylene torch get bolt head red and let it cool. Last time all I had was a small propane torch. If that don’t work I own a machine shop I’ll just have to take deck off cut heads off drill and tap. And I’ll probably figure out a way to alter blade like modern mower blades mount so I will never have this problem in the future.

[john2189]

No they are right hand threads. Turn to the left to remove. Those are bolts so I would not heat them. You could burn the seals

[outdoors4evr]

You never know what might have been swapped on these machines over the years.
Perhaps this has had the spindle replaced and the PO used one with the opposite threads. Anyhow, I'd try rattling at it with an air wrench both directions. I wouldn't start by giving it all the gusto, but start with a lower torque each direction and see if you can get it to move.

Just be sure to block the blade from spinning with a 2x4 and invent new ways to be safe while working under the tractor and deck. (suspend the deck with something other than the hydraulics)

[SONNY]

dont think heat on these bolts will help. Take the mower off so you can turn it over and get straight at it. I had one like that and after beating on the bolt heads and hittin with an air wrench finally got them out, If they break off you can drill them out as a last resort and re-thread the holes.

[Jayruby360]

Finally got them off. Someone had me convinced they were left hand thread which is why I was afraid to try too hard to turn them tried even harder left and they still wouldn’t break loose. I soaked them every evening after work with PB Blaster till I had time to get to it. Went with my gut they were right hand thread and thanks to soaking everyday for nearly a week they came off no problem used lock washers Instead of the old school cupped washers and anti seize. Now I need to find a 3pt hitch for it but that seems to be like looking for hens teeth. Is there an aftermarket hitch that works?

[BigBill]

When in doubt I break out my 3/4” ratchet set with a pipe.

Moly anti seeze