So the mower now has two new blades. I ended up having to take the deck off, used penetrating oil, a pipe wrench, 3 feet of pipe, and a blowtorch. It was not easy, at all. But by combining essentially all of the suggestions, I finally managed to get them off. Interestingly, there is still a little wobble on each side, after tightening as much as is humanly possible. I am beginning to suspect that they are supposed to do that, so as to make it less likely to break the blade or spindle.
no - there should be no ‘wobble’ - you are likely missing the washers needed.
you are likely missing a washer or a lock washer (this is not a standard split ring or star washer but maybe a domed shape with leaves [nongrass]) made for mounting a mower blade.
Thanks, I will check that out.
When you got the blade off, were you able to clearly see the little nubs that stick out of the spindle surface? Depending on the age of your deck, they may be worn away.
Are you using the correct blades? The blade should mate smoothly with the spindle and when you tighten the bolt there should be no wobble.
If the blade is not held firmly in place you run the danger of it breaking loose or wobbling enough to dig chunks out of the deck or your lawn.
I have not investigated yet. The blades were “universal blades” that I had purchased at Home Depot. They should have been fine. The male part of the “star” mating system was visible, and did not appear warn. I want to replace the nuts anyway, and when I order them I will see what type of washer should be there but is not.
There are quite a few different types of “universal” blades. You must use the ones that mesh with the stars if you want them to work safely. My Home Depot doesn’t stock them, I order them online from M & D Mower.
If you check your parts manual, the nut and washer are in fact one solid piece. It’s called a flange nut.
I changed the 3 blades on my riding mower. Did it while deck still attached. Jacked up the front and used stands. Used galvanized pipe for extension. Used block of wood to keep blade from turning. A short 2 x4 wedged at 45 degrees for middle blade. Leftie loosie on D 160 John Deere. Blades set at different positions around the clock. Blade and deck has teeth that must be aligned for blade to go flat against mounting surface. Blade can’t wobble or would be disaster once engaged.
Lots of grass has been cut over the last 6 years!
I gave up on all this work to get lawnmower blades off – the neighborhood hardware store charges $12.50 to sharpen a blade, $16.50 if the blade is still on the mower. So for 4 bucks i should go thru all the effort and tools these suggestions involve? No way; I’ll let the professionals do it for $4.