Fixing a Broken Mower Deck Spindle (Arbor Shaft) - Simplicity or similar models

With all this rain the grass has been growing great! Now if my mower would work I could start cutting it! Here is a repair on a Simplicity mower deck arbor shaft (spindle) that went well in the end but there were a few bumps along the road.
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[@Spencersofduffield]

My favorite part was going to be your helper hammering the ground. Then every piece fell through the hole as you disassembled it. Classic SSLFAMILY Dad, the best! I also fell for the lure of bolt extractors, they are crap. I'm not sure about the 'pros' but, as a diy-er myself, I would not be embarrassed by this repair job.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Lol, yeah as I was editing this I realize how dumb it was to take that all apart right over the giant hole in the deck

[@JOEZEP54]

Nice repair keeping this older unit in working condition. It looks like the new bearings are seal on both ends. If that is the case you have to remove the inner seal & hand pack the bearing. I have to upload a video but if you still have the old shaft try welding a nut to the broken bolt/tap & try to get it out. You have a new shaft & do not need it but it is good practice for when this happens again. Most of what I work on are older units like yours & when I get them they have been neglected for years. Stay well, Joe Z

[@RogersFixItBarn]

Good to see you fixing your own stuff. Way to many people have no clue how to fix anything.

[@volkswookiee]

My simplicity Broadmoor recently had a loose blade and I quickly found the spine to be stripped on the bottom end. This video was the only one I could find on the subject so It was nice to see what I was up against before diving in. BUT, a tip for anyone with a stripped bottom end of the spline, FLIP THE SPLINE OVER. The bottom of the spline has more than enough good meat left at the base for what the upper pulley shaft needs, and the top half flipped over fits perfect on the spline washers at the cutting blade.

[@kaycox5555]

Terrific repair.

[@scottjenkins4613]

Well done! Andrew Camarata would approve of the job.

[@RQ7BShadow]

Love it! Those 80’s lawn tractors will run forever. Totally agree with you on spending a fraction of the cost of a new one and keeping it running with a few dollars in repairs each year. I’ve got an ‘86 craftsman that I picked up for $50 that has mowed my lawn and blown my driveway going on 5 years now.

[@davidj.mackinney6568]

Love watching your daughter "help" you. As things so wrong, sometimes it is the Lord watching over you. Enjoyed watching.

[@joycemastaw910]

Great job. Loved seeing your helper. Who says girls can't learn to be "miss fixits" too. She's learning a lot by helping and watching!

[@jerrysalgat3406]

Always something. God's way of letting us know who is in charge! Count it as a blessing.

[@selador11]

Making it work! I like that. Good job! I really enjoy working on those lawn tractors. I was thinking about your neighbors fields that are flooded. And yours. I looked again, and just kept thinking about it. Finally it occurred to me... How would you make a pond? You would dig out in the middle, and pile it up on the sides. How about instead, you dig it out on the sides, and pile it up in the middle? I know your neighbor's fields are pretty big. It would be an awful lot of work. Lots of man-tractor-dozer hours and expense... I know as well that building the inner field up, leveling it, and surrounding it with a wide deep ditch would in essence mean lost acreage that couldn't be planted sometimes. But what is lost if you do nothing, and it continues to be like this? As for the field having lost acreage, I'd think that most years you could plant right down in the 'ditch' area. (It doesn't have to be steep.) And the years that you couldn't because it's too wet, well, at least you'd have SOME crop that year, instead of none at all... Do that. Then ditch it. Tile it. Ditch and/or tile where you gather maple sap, as well. The land is yours. You are to subdue it. (I don't look at that word subdue the same as most. I look at it the same as honoring and protecting your wife.) Make it work.

[@johnheisey5791]

Blow torch goes a long way

[@wymershandymanservice9965]

Sometimes certain problems are a blessing in disguise. 👍🙏

[@Roxyboarder419]

My girlfriend thought I was annoyed while watching this video bc I said 'I'm watching train wreck". I wasn't annoyed, I just remember the last time I broke an extractor (I was it coming), which I'm sure you know now, is a bit annoying. Great video and good job on keeping these older machines running.

[@danharold3087]

I like your tractor and your helper. A few things and don't take this as criticism, The bolt extractors break more often than they work. The new spindle has shields on the bearings. If you want the grease to get to the bearings you need to remove the inner shields, top shield bottom bearing, bottom shield top bearing. Also the bearings from China have very little grease in them. Its best to pack them prior to using.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Pl, good to know. They looked like sealed bearing to me so I left them as is

[@chevy6299]

Awesome use of old equipment!!!

[@ryanbrockley7463]

As a mechanic of 12+ years, with a snapped bolt, concrete/masonry bits have been pure magic. I know it sounds insane, but trust me on this. Get yourself a good variety of concrete drill bits and use them on your next snapped bolt. Those ez outs are all garbage

[@ronhamilton801]

Easy outs don't work the best as a rule need to see how the belt goes on

[@ronhamilton801]

Hope you can show me a diagram so I can put it on

[@earladams869]

You did well changing out everything. As a simplicity mower owner I can honestly say that they are forever tractors. The way I look at things, if it is fixable for less than buying a replacement, I fix it. If I can help you in any way, contact me on here and we will make arrangements to talk.

[@billfischer6464]

People may knock fixing old equipment, but usually the older stuff is built so much better and heavier. I bet nothing new will last 30 years. To many people are quick to throw away instead of fix now. Just had to edit I see this was said numerous times. For being an older machine, that deck was surprisingly rust free. Love your work ethic and the values that you are teaching your children. Blessings to the family.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Thanks Bill!

[@wdanthevideoman2835]

Thank you for all the trouble you’ve gone threw in making this video. I have the exact same tractor and it threw out a spindle on the other side.

[@chaddesantis4191]

Great vid. PLEASE keep your eyes open for an old Cub Cadet garden tractor, though!! I really want to see one on the channel. I think a low cost and super simple antique garden tractor with a sleeve hitch (or a Farmall Cub) and your aptitude and ingenuity will take your truck patch potential to a whole new level.

[@augustreil]

Cubs are great lawn tractors but an older, 1970's, 1980's Wheel Horse would be much better and it's not because I like them better. Wheel Horse tractors are by far the easiest to work on, nothing even comes close. It has to be an older one though, with a horizontal shaft, 10,12,16 hp cast iron Kohler engine.

[@chaddesantis4191]

Wheel Horse is a tough machine. So is a Bolens, an early MTD fourteen hundred or the like, Jacobsen, Speedex, there's so many cool old garden tractors out there. Each have advantages and disadvantages. Wheel Horses may be easier to work on, but a solid Cub Cadet doesn't really need to be worked on. The maintenance stuff is super simple, and accessories are a lot easier to find. One thing to note, though, is that almost all of these garden tractors have K series Kohler engines, and a keen eye will spot one rusting away somewhere with all the accessories, and pick it up for a song.

[@augustreil]

@@chaddesantis4191, Agree, but a solid Wheel Horse won't need work either but when the time comes as sure as the taxman, I'll take a WH.

[@chaddesantis4191]

An old Ford LGT 165 is a heck of a machine, and it would match the big tractor. I'm in PA, it's Cub country over here. Not sure what there's a lot of in Michigan, but I'd probably look at whatever there is the hardest. Even more so if there was a popular dealership nearby.

[@kurtbaker4078]

Great job! I repair tractors as a side gig. If you need to service one spindle I'll guarantee you the other isnt far behind. Also always hand pack the grease in your bearings. The engineers who designed these spindles want you to believe that throwing in a fitting for greasing will help. Actually it does nothing but fill the void between the bearings. Hand packing is the only way. And, like you noted, change the pulley. You can get two packs for 15.00. Anyways, great job. You saved yourself a few bucks. Be well.

[@EastMesaUrbanHomestead]

Well I am glad that extractor broke, it probably saved you money in the long run. Thanks for sharing SSL Dad😎

[@sallyweiner4180]

You know how to do everything!!!

[@DKuzzin]

Tell me you sharpened the blades while you had them off? (Ha) Great repair! Love making old stuff run like new. :) Go ARMY!

[@baileysconstruction7898]

Keep up on the small things and that mower will run for years for you . I had one identical to that and it had over 4,000 hours on it before the hour meter that was added to it failed. I used it an entire summer after that broke before retiring it!

[@Bamaman14k]

Love the video, I just love fixing my old stuff. They truly don't make them as good as they used to. We've gotten into the error of disposable machinery and that's just sad. Yeah you might want to replace that top pully too before it chews up your new spindle. I've used those extractors before and they were a godsend on some exhaust manifold bolts that I broke off. I usually use some P&B you can get from auto parts store and probably Walmart and probably everywhere else, it is my go-to penetrating oil. It's got a real thin viscosity and therefore penetrates really well. But you're right, that needed to be replaced anyway. Love your channel, God bless you and your family, Jimmy

[@gwaynel8363]

Why did you not sharpen the blades while the deck was off? Sharp blades save gas and make it much easier on the mower and sharp blades cut not tear the grass. Great job on the repair.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Didnt want to deal with it that day and had other projects to work on, it only takes a few minutes to take the deck back off

[@scootergem]

Nice job on the on the video excellent voice you're camera shots were good a little bit of a novice but that's fine that's fine I enjoyed it you have a good one and thanks for sharing

[@joshmodank312]

Paused it so I wouldn’t miss any. Almost cried. barely held it together

[@PaulaJoDavis]

Great job with the mower! More folks need to repair instead of throw away! Blessings from NE Missouri!

[@hunterdude3262]

I did that to a old mower for years. After thinking about it I could of got a new one lol. So last year I did.

[@rousmithregularlyyouyou7916]

thank you i watched you vid and help me Figure out how to take apart the assembly

[@lvlndco]

I have the same luck with easy outs also!

[@augustreil]

Good repair but get a new pulley before it ruins the shaft splines or you could Red Loctite it on. You would need heat to get it off though after using the Loctite. The piece where the blade bolts to should be put on with Red Loctite also to stop any play and ruin the shaft bottom. The blades look like they need a sharpening. Thumbs up !!

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Yeah the blades need a sharpening for sure!

[@haint7709]

Great Video. Have a 96 Simplicity with the 44" deck and turbo double bagger. I always end up putting "never seize" on my bolts when I reassemble. I'll be replacing my bearings and will use a needle greaser on them when I put the mower away every season or two.

[@ScenEverywhere]

The extractor by Irwin- I don't buy Irwin and always invest in good quality for tools that last. Good repair and thanks for the video. Be careful with the Harbor Freight junk as well.

[@JoeMama-up4gj]

Simplicity Rocks! Well done.

[@thecynic807]

Still has the stickers after 30 years. Wow

[@greensnapper1602]

You might have replaced the other side while you had that way its Done ... And you might want to start keeping all of your older mowers for parts & different things around the Farm/ Homestead .. Thank you

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

If the splines on the pulley are not mating well with the splines on the shaft the new shaft will wear quickly and the pulley will completely fail.

[@kurtbaker4078]

And possibly damage the new spline.

[@wileybranchfarms2626]

You might have off camera but you need to grease the very well since they are brand new and don’t be afraid of how much it takes before it will squeeze the grease out it will take a lot the first time

[@arnoldromppai5395]

throw them exstactors in the bush, well a nut on with 1.16" stainless steel rod, let it cool and turnit out with your fingers..

[@Submanca]

Surprised you haven't built a gang reel mower like I am. I am slowly collecting reel mowers from yard sales. I hope to get 5 or 7 and have a 7' or 9' cut width.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Um, that sounds cool. I want to see that when you build it

[@Submanca]

@@SSLFamilyDad sure as soon as it's finished.

[@edemup44]

Every time I use a extractor that same thing happens... I think the magic formula is using an extractor with heat. 🤔

[@salmonhunter7414]

Looks like you got a new army tee shirt. I have never had any luck with extractors. I always have to wield a nut.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

I need a welder!

[@M.TTT.]

Nice, we have a agco allis 1613H with the turbo blower. Rebuilding my spindles now, put the two halves together over the bearings on the spindle, and the spindle moves up and down in the halves. I guess once I put them into the deck and tighten it all down it shouldnt move

[@terryp12345]

At about 6 minutes in, I saw you using the socket wrench! I was going to suggest the adapters for your impact driver (just got some myself this year) because they save so much time. And... the next thing I know, you are pulling out those adapters!

[@SSLFamilyDad]

They are the best thing I have ever bought!

[@thecynic807]

I'm looking at weedeaters right now. I'm torn between the Stihl fs91r and the Honda gx35.

[@SSLFamilyDad]

A friend of mine just got the stihl and he loves it but you cant go wrong with a Honda engine

[@thecynic807]

@@SSLFamilyDad I got the stihl and I bought their premixed fuel 1gallon for 30 bucks and got an extra two years factory warranty for buying it. I figure if theirs ever any problems there is a dealer 5 minutes from my house. I used it today. It's a beast.

[@jimlashbrook5429]

you greased it when you got it back together but failed to realize those are sealed bearings.All you did is try to fill that void with grease. Steve's small engine repair recently talked about that very thing.

[@anthonyking4387]

Grease will still go into by the seals if they was to ever need to! But to be 100% sure you can pop the seal out on one side to be sure & also see what im talking about? Those seals bearly keep grease in!

[@matthewjohnson3910]

Good video thanks for sharing

[@jimamccracken5783]

You might take this as good information. "Always when removing decks. If you remove it from the right side turn the steering wheel so the right front tire is making a left turn" Or if from the left side turn wheels to right. Ihat way you do not have to fuss with the fron of the deck getting caught on the front tire.

[@go-dog-go]

Yeah...im about to change one myself....I find most of my spindles, belts, coils on Ebay, Amazon...and lately Walmart.com of all places? I find stuff on there Amazon doesn't sell, go figure. It's Amazing what you can find on walmart.com and with Free shipping to the store, then just pick it up. I keep Xtra belts around just in case also....they usually go right after you've changed the spindle, put it back together, and used it the next day, Haha. Stay Strong!

[@digschopper9321]

I wasted time looking for the ring spacer that centers the blade. I thought I lost it, because... usually i do. Be aware, the bottom Crud-Cap has a lip that replaces a separate ring.

[@333widowmaker]

At 4:38, that is exactly what happened to me. they don't make bolt extractors like they used to.

[@Sgt.terminator]

Looks judt like ours but with a snowblower and deck and front snow plow

[@bradleynorman4770]

What size was the bolt you got at Ace hardware? I need the same one

[@ronmimnaugh7674]

You may want to save yourself some trouble and check out the other side as well. Chances are that if that one side was bad, the other will be close to it. That was the case on my old mower at least. no sense waiting for it to totally fail. Those old mowers can last a long time

[@bryanadams375]

Amazing vid brotha i just bought a Snapper rear engine rider i think the guy i bought it from said he hit a stump or something and now when you engage the deck it just rattles really bad and really load what do you think could i just repair the spindle or would i have to replace it it's ok if you can't give a definite anwser but what are your thoughts thanks have a blessed day 🙏🏻

[@chris3m98]

Why would not put a new blade on it?????

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Don't those cost money?

[@Ericaseaburg9291]

Your tractor is actually newer than 1985. That style was not introduced until 1990.

[@davidarveyo8363]

I Have a hammer like that one:)

[@Javinkay]

I think our farm mower is a John Deere from 1972 lol

[@boywithlottatoys7039]

Mower blares are worn out & need replacing

[@SSLFamilyDad]

Yeah probably but they still cut the grass so I am good with them:)

[@monirep5359]

🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@michaelrickman3161]

He just greased a SEALED BEARING.

[@grosseileracingteam]

Hey Todd, here's some tips for you and your viewers. If you can work on something on a bench or table, it's more comfortable at waist height. Use old food containers to hold parts.Stack parts in order so you know how they go back together. Clean everything and lubricate before re-assembly. EZ Outs always break and are harder to remove than the bolt. I suggest you invest in a wire welder. If you weld a washer to the broken bolt, then weld a nut to the washer, you can use a wrench on the nut to loosen the broken bolt. Here's a link to the welder at HD for $200 that I plan I buying.It's made by Lincoln and good for homegamers. You can power it with a generator if you want. Then you can build a grille guard for the Ford 4000 from free scrap metal from craigslist. www.homedepot.com/p/Century-90-Amp-FC90-Flux-Core-Wire-Feed-Welder-and-Gun-120V-K3493-1/302139495?keyword=century+fc90+welder&semanticToken=212t00000+%3E++st%3A%7Bcentury+fc90+welder%7D%3Ast+cnn%3A%7B0%3A0%7D+cnb%3A%7B0%3A0%7D+oos%3A%7B0%3A1%7D+br%3A%7Bcentury%7D%3Abr+rt%3A%7Bfc90+welder%7D%3Art+dln%3A%7B571024%7D+qu%3A%7Bcentury+fc90+welder%7D%3Aqu

[@bradbusch9585]

There’s nothing wrong with aged equipment

[@deannamarie4149]

New doesn't mean better. ..

[@gerrygretsinger6607]

Its always a good idea to wash a piece of equipment before doing repairs. Why work in the dirt ?