You're welcome! We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review We hope that you have a great day!
This video was a big help. Just picked up a free used not working craftsman riding mower to give to my son. I have had a John Deere for 25 years that is easy to work on, the Craftsman is horrible to work on. Oil plug is a bolt, recessed and square that no common ratchet works on and recessed enough where plyers can't reach. The Bolt on the blade is 1" and also not in my ratchet set. All said and done , with some new tools, plugs, blades, oil, fuel filter- I got this mower working like new for under $100 and some bloody knuckles. Just from starting this project, it seems to me sears designed this thing so your average guy can't work on it and you would have to bring it in for service
Depends on how stuck the nut is on the blade. I was glad I removed mine because I had to use some WD40 to loosen it. Mine broke the piece of wood I was used to steady it since it was so tight
Exactly! That's how I've always done it. A 2 ton floor hack and a couple of wedges under the front tires, raise the deck to the highest point and remove the blades.
I agree to a point. If just replacing the blade, then yes. However, in most cases, you are checking or replacing the drive belt and deck belt at the same time. It just makes the whole process easier to drop the deck out of the way. But you are right if just the belts.
@@426superbee4 I agree 💯 % I have one in my shed that needs an engine because they ran it out of gas. New engine $3200 for that price I can buy several on market place for a couple hundred each. That's how cheap they are made now days.
I use the floor jack some concrete blocks 12-in wooden block 2x4 and it took me about 15 minutes to change both blades. I have the 15/16 nut on my blades I needed to use a breaker bar to loosen them
My rear mounted engine MTD 30'' mower has a light front end. With the machine in neutral and park, I pick up the front, then slide an aluminum platform underneath the tires. Chocs behind the rear tires would be ideal for safety, but I got the job done in seconds. Keeping in mind, the fragile components of the steering mechanism, I used the mower frame to lift and lower gently. My mower doesn't have the bumper guard, therefore, I'm looking for hardware to mount on the front end, to facilitate access underneath the mini tractor.
I see alotta comments about deck removal being hard. It is actually quite easy as long as you follow the steps in the manual. Taking the deck off is important so that you can scrape the bottom clean from clumps and also inspect everything easily. Using proper needle nose to help remove the pins may make things easier. A dab of oil on the pins and pivot points during reassembly. If ya dont care about scraping or inspecting then just jacking up the mower to get to the deck is fine.
I removed the deck by myself in less than 5 minutes, used pressure wash to clean the years worth of weed and grass gunk, from top and bottom that I couldn't get to if it was on the mower. Clean as new, very little works, cost nothing.
My mower has 4 anti-scalp wheels set just above the ground on lift lever position 4. I have reviewed your video on deck removal. Can’t get to lowest position of deck without removing or elevating the anti-scalp wheels. If I can get the clips removed from position 4 and then elevate the deck, can I safely slide the deck out or do I have to remove the wheels and lower the deck to position 1 in order to remove the deck??
Helpful, but my problem is that the bolt holding the blade on is completely seized. More than a bit frustrating putting my entire weight on the thing, looking up a how-to (because I must be doing something wrong), and seeing a barely used looking model being unscrewed with no effort.
Yeah they can get siezed on over time and you will benefit from some diff tools compared to whats in the vid. If youre only using a small wrench like in the video, buying a 1-2ft long 1/2" breaker bar for $10 will make a difference for you. You can also deposit $20 at autozone and borrow a breaker bar, they refund you when you return it. Applying some PB Blaster and letting it soak in for awhile is one option. Lastly, if you have access to an extension cord, buying the cheap corded impact wrench (20-30$ at harbor freight) may be an option youre interested in. It should have plenty of torque to hammer off the nut, just dont use the impact wrench to re-install the nut.
Ditto,Breakerbar won't budge the nut.Tried both directions,never in my 70 yrs had any problem removing blades with moderate effort.Mower is only 6mos old,first sharpening.
i AGREE. My husband is strong as an ox but cannot get the bolt lose. We are now trying to remove the deck plate to see if we can gain easier access to the blades. BUT, he can't maneuver on the ground, so I'm trying to do this. Got to the last step of disconnecting a big spring and I cannot get it off. I'm at my wit's end. Wish me luck.
took my deck off once,never doing it again! too tough of a job,trust me,it wasn't fun.rather use a chain lift and use blocks underneath: quicker,faster,easier,less hassle.
I hook a chain hoist on the back of the lawn mower raise it up take the blades off put them back on .Back to mowing in less than 25 minuets .less time less work. But this is a good video.
Same! Except mine is only a year old and used probably 10 times since then for mowing. The deck removal is easy but the blade broke the wood I was using to try to remove the nut (mine is slightly different model but same instructions
Ugh 😩 this is so freakin' intimidating! Removing all that stuff? Why is it so complicated? My Dad used to raise the mower, remove the blade and replace the blade with the deck still attached. He passed away 4-years ago, so now it's just me trying to maintain his huge 4-acre property with no idea how to fix this kind of stuff 🤦🏻♀️ aww crud.
This is a good guide for removing the deck but Jesus Christ you can remove the blades just sticking your arm under the deck on the ground by feel. Do you remove the deck every year to sharpen it?
If you can, remove the blades without trying all this fu****ing procedure.....he makes it look so easy....sure , it's a brand new machine. In reality, you are working with about 5 inches of spaces on ground level, nothing cames out easy ( mine is only 3 years old ) and i couldnt find a suitable spot to insert my jack to lift it anywhere. I'll be the first to admit i am no mechanic, but i am pretty handy, and I say to you : don't do it ! I got the thing out and clean and sharpen the blades ( 2 days ) now I am in the process of putting everything back....good luck !
How? It only involves removing like 4 pins, unclipping 2 retainers and sliding off a slacked belt. Maybe if the deck or the hangars have been damaged during use it could be hard
Just did this for my Craftsman T210. A few differences, but basically the same idea. Thanks for the video, huge help.
You're welcome!
We are always happy to help. If you would like to give us a review on Google, we would much appreciate it: g.page/r/CcVUrahZNozMEBM/review
We hope that you have a great day!
This video was a big help. Just picked up a free used not working craftsman riding mower to give to my son. I have had a John Deere for 25 years that is easy to work on, the Craftsman is horrible to work on. Oil plug is a bolt, recessed and square that no common ratchet works on and recessed enough where plyers can't reach. The Bolt on the blade is 1" and also not in my ratchet set. All said and done , with some new tools, plugs, blades, oil, fuel filter- I got this mower working like new for under $100 and some bloody knuckles. Just from starting this project, it seems to me sears designed this thing so your average guy can't work on it and you would have to bring it in for service
I use an automotive jack to raise on end of mower and do underneath what I need to do. Lot faster and less work then removing deck
Just did that. Took 5 minutes to replace.
I do the same. Way faster than this way.
Appreciate the input. Changing blades tomorrow......and not removing the deck.
Depends on how stuck the nut is on the blade. I was glad I removed mine because I had to use some WD40 to loosen it. Mine broke the piece of wood I was used to steady it since it was so tight
Taking the deck off literally takes 2 minutes or less.
You don't have to take the dam deck off to replace blades. Just jack it up
Exactly! That's how I've always done it. A 2 ton floor hack and a couple of wedges under the front tires, raise the deck to the highest point and remove the blades.
I agree to a point. If just replacing the blade, then yes. However, in most cases, you are checking or replacing the drive belt and deck belt at the same time. It just makes the whole process easier to drop the deck out of the way. But you are right if just the belts.
@@billjensen6216 This crap is junky made. I hate working on them. Every thing about them is made wrong, and made to wear out. GL👍👍
@@426superbee4 I agree 💯 % I have one in my shed that needs an engine because they ran it out of gas. New engine $3200 for that price I can buy several on market place for a couple hundred each. That's how cheap they are made now days.
I use the floor jack some concrete blocks 12-in wooden block 2x4 and it took me about 15 minutes to change both blades. I have the 15/16 nut on my blades I needed to use a breaker bar to loosen them
My rear mounted engine MTD 30'' mower has a light front end. With the machine in neutral and park, I pick up the front, then slide an aluminum platform underneath the tires. Chocs behind the rear tires would be ideal for safety, but I got the job done in seconds. Keeping in mind, the fragile components of the steering mechanism, I used the mower frame to lift and lower gently. My mower doesn't have the bumper guard, therefore, I'm looking for hardware to mount on the front end, to facilitate access underneath the mini tractor.
Thanks. Just did this on my YT-3000. Easy as can be.
What about using a torque wrench to correctly tighten the bolt to factory specs
you all just saved me a shit ton of 💰 💰 💰 -- thank you!
Excellent video Thanks ....
2:13 --- "replace the blade with the sharp edge facing away from the deck" --- thank you
Does the blade orientation matter or can they go on in any direction in relation to each other?
I see alotta comments about deck removal being hard. It is actually quite easy as long as you follow the steps in the manual. Taking the deck off is important so that you can scrape the bottom clean from clumps and also inspect everything easily. Using proper needle nose to help remove the pins may make things easier. A dab of oil on the pins and pivot points during reassembly.
If ya dont care about scraping or inspecting then just jacking up the mower to get to the deck is fine.
viewer54322 that’s what lawnmower jacks are for
Buy a riding lawn mower lift from Harbor Freight for $80.00.
Just changed my blades without removing the deck. Piece of cake!
I removed the deck by myself in less than 5 minutes, used pressure wash to clean the years worth of weed and grass gunk, from top and bottom that I couldn't get to if it was on the mower. Clean as new, very little works,
cost nothing.
As I mentioned before, you can't clean underneath very well without removing it. Removing is easy.
... or just jack it up and replace the blades.
Do the blades need to be aligned a certain way
This was a B!+(#!!! My blades require a 15/16th socket...that I have to go buy tmw! This video did help me tho. I have the T1500 model
My mower has 4 anti-scalp wheels set just above the ground on lift lever position 4. I have reviewed your video on deck removal. Can’t get to lowest position of deck without removing or elevating the anti-scalp wheels. If I can get the clips removed from position 4 and then elevate the deck, can I safely slide the deck out or do I have to remove the wheels and lower the deck to position 1 in order to remove the deck??
FFS, you have to do all of that just to sharpen or replace the blades??
No need to drop the cutting deck. Lift the front end with a jack or the like, approach the blade from beneath; one bolt on and off. Easy. :-)
I tried that, but my jack would not raise it high enough for that!
Helpful, but my problem is that the bolt holding the blade on is completely seized. More than a bit frustrating putting my entire weight on the thing, looking up a how-to (because I must be doing something wrong), and seeing a barely used looking model being unscrewed with no effort.
Yeah they can get siezed on over time and you will benefit from some diff tools compared to whats in the vid.
If youre only using a small wrench like in the video, buying a 1-2ft long 1/2" breaker bar for $10 will make a difference for you. You can also deposit $20 at autozone and borrow a breaker bar, they refund you when you return it.
Applying some PB Blaster and letting it soak in for awhile is one option.
Lastly, if you have access to an extension cord, buying the cheap corded impact wrench (20-30$ at harbor freight) may be an option youre interested in. It should have plenty of torque to hammer off the nut, just dont use the impact wrench to re-install the nut.
Ditto,Breakerbar won't budge the nut.Tried both directions,never in my 70 yrs had any problem removing blades with moderate effort.Mower is only 6mos old,first sharpening.
i AGREE. My husband is strong as an ox but cannot get the bolt lose. We are now trying to remove the deck plate to see if we can gain easier access to the blades. BUT, he can't maneuver on the ground, so I'm trying to do this. Got to the last step of disconnecting a big spring and I cannot get it off. I'm at my wit's end. Wish me luck.
took my deck off once,never doing it again! too tough of a job,trust me,it wasn't fun.rather use a chain lift and use blocks underneath: quicker,faster,easier,less hassle.
just did mine flat on the ground in 10 mins with a 14mm spanner, why all this extra work?
So good to know the deck comes off so easily! But now I see I need to weld my deck :(.
Pull the backup with a Chain and Pully...
And that's how you put new blades on your BRAND NEW craftsman mower..😅
For me I just have ol Jebediah pick up the rear of the mower and I just slide in real fast and swap em
I lifted my mower up and placed saw horses under the front axles lol
How much torque on the nut holding the blade?
Between 27-35 ft/lbs
I have what appears to this exact mower and it is 45-55 ft lbs per the manual
What size is the nut?
5/8
I hook a chain hoist on the back of the lawn mower raise it up take the blades off put them back on .Back to mowing in less than 25 minuets .less time less work. But this is a good video.
Even with removing the deck like is described here, it only takes about 10 minutes to swap out blades. Why even mess with the chain hoist?
This is silly, raise one side 4 inches, reach under and loosen the bolt, then reverse and replace. Repeat for other side. 10 minutes.
Norm Senkel Thanks for your input.
Looks complicated as hell compared to just lifting it up a bit with a floor jack.
My bolts are not coming off as easy as that BRAND NEW deck he removed
Same! Except mine is only a year old and used probably 10 times since then for mowing. The deck removal is easy but the blade broke the wood I was using to try to remove the nut (mine is slightly different model but same instructions
Ugh 😩 this is so freakin' intimidating! Removing all that stuff? Why is it so complicated? My Dad used to raise the mower, remove the blade and replace the blade with the deck still attached. He passed away 4-years ago, so now it's just me trying to maintain his huge 4-acre property with no idea how to fix this kind of stuff 🤦🏻♀️ aww crud.
You can do it.
This is a good guide for removing the deck but Jesus Christ you can remove the blades just sticking your arm under the deck on the ground by feel. Do you remove the deck every year to sharpen it?
This takes way too long and this way is more complicated than it needs to be
If you can, remove the blades without trying all this fu****ing procedure.....he makes it look so easy....sure , it's a brand new machine. In reality, you are working with about 5 inches of spaces on ground level, nothing cames out easy ( mine is only 3 years old ) and i couldnt find a suitable spot to insert my jack to lift it anywhere. I'll be the first to admit i am no mechanic, but i am pretty handy, and I say to you : don't do it ! I got the thing out and clean and sharpen the blades ( 2 days ) now I am in the process of putting everything back....good luck !
Unnecessary work
yeah this is pure bs... odds of screwing up are high wtf
How? It only involves removing like 4 pins, unclipping 2 retainers and sliding off a slacked belt.
Maybe if the deck or the hangars have been damaged during use it could be hard
It literally takes no longer than 2 minutes to pull the deck off.
There’s really nothing to screw up. If you can’t manage this, you need to not work on anything at all.
LOL! I never remove the deck. I do it without removing the deck with a floor jack.
real easy when the fcuckin thing is right out of the box isn't it?