QuestionQUESTION: I have a John Deere lawn mower. Walk-behind type JS60. Which way does the bolt turn to remove the blade. It is stuck tight as a drum. Won't turn either way. I have turned so tight as to begin to round off the head of the bolt, but stopped before damaging it so much that I cannot still get a grip on it. Neither wrenches, nor vise grips will work. I'm about ready to try using penetrating oil, and/or a heating torch, but it would be immensely helpful if I knew which way to turn it to loosen.
Thanks,
Dwayne
ANSWER: Hello Dwayne:
>>The Rule for Loosening Most Blade Nuts is; they Loosen by "Turning them the Same Direction that the Blade Turns During Operation".
>>This is so the Blade Nut will Tighten, rather than Loosen During Operation.
>>I have had some of these Blade Nuts so Tight that I have had to Cut them with a Die Grinder Cutting Wheel and Use a Chisel to Spread the Nut Slightly and then Remove and Replace the Nut and the Blade.
>>**Be Careful and Don't Cut too Deep and Damage the Teeth on the Spindle too Much or the Spindle will have to be Replaced.
>>I Never Suggest Heat for the Blade Nuts Except as a Last Resort and then I Suggest Replacing the Spindle.
>>The Heated Spindle becomes Brittle and will Break if/when the Blade Hits an Object while Cutting Grass.
>>You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H and Enter the Model Numbers JS60 and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. *You can Drag the View Windows for Better Viewing.*
>>If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem, I Hope to be Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
PS: I am Allowed to Answer 5 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: John,
This is not a blade "nut". It is a bolt, about 2 1/2 inches long. I also have a nut splitter, and that is not appropriate with a bolt. I am confused about the direction to turn the bolt because I read two of your answers (to other persons) and one said to turn WITH the rotation of the engine, and the other said just the opposite. Intelligently, the blade mounting has 2 pins that prevent the bolt from unscrewing with the engine rotation during operation. The website showing the breakdown of the blade parts was correct with what I have, but alas didn't mention the direction of loosening either. I had assumed that you would know just with the Brand name and model number, since I wasn't asking a real technical question about the engine. No disrespect meant here, and I still need the answer before I go to using penetration oil and maybe a torch. Hopefully, I won't twist the head off. LOL ! (I also have "easy outs")
Thanks
Dwayne
AnswerHello Again Dwayne:
>>I do Apologize, I should have Written that it Doesn't Matter if it is a Nut or a Bolt, they still Loosen by Turning them the Same Direction the Blade Turns During Operation.
>>Counter Clockwise to Loosen and Clockwise to Tighten Unless you have a Reverse Rotation Deck, then Counter Clockwise to Tighten and Clockwise to Loosen is what I was Told by the JD Service Technician when I called them to Verify my Information. **Rotation is as you are Looking Down on the Unit in it's Operation Position.**
>>Using a Hammer Hit the Bolt Head Straight on Several Times and then try to Loosen the Bolt. If the Bolt has Rust in the Threads, then the Vibration from the Hammer Hit will Usually Loosen the Rust so the Bolt will Loosen.
>>Always Use Plenty of Penetrating Oil (Liquid Wrench and Sea Foam are the Best).
>>Also if you know Someone with Access to an Electric or Air Impact, then have them Loosen the Bolt for you.
>>Once you have this Bolt Out, you should Wire Brush the Threads and Thread Chase the Spindle to Remove and Rust or Possible Burrs. Apply Never Seize to the Bolt Threads before Installing the Bolt and when the Bolt has to be Removed again you will Not have this Problem.
>>Again, I am Sorry for the Misunderstanding.
>>Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and as Always, May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy.
Best Wishes and Good Luck
Respectfully
jbridger (John)
