I have a John Deere X300 and did some " stump grinding"by mistake and cracked the Spindle on the mower deck (42"). Last time we did this the deck cost almost $1000 (USD) to repair and the dealer said cannot repair have to replace. The spindle is a $53(USD) item... I just want to know where to find the instructions to dismantle the old one and replace the new one... would love to get a tech manual but cannot seem to find one and John deere has been less than helpful... can anyone at least point me in the right direction... other than not to do stump grinding with the mower deck... Thanks

This is an easy fix. I had the same thing happen to me with my John Deere and your right, the Deere people are not very helpful. Buy you a new spindle, remove deck from tractor, remove broken spindle, replace new spindle, replace deck and mow like crazy.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by blacktalon

This is an easy fix. I had the same thing happen to me with my John Deere and your right, the Deere people are not very helpful. Buy you a new spindle, remove deck from tractor, remove broken spindle, replace new spindle, replace deck and mow like crazy.

---

Thanks... the problem is that I cannot remove the pulley wheel from the top of the spindle. The nut/washer combination seems to be unmoveable. Am I missing something simple to facilitate the removal?? I guess what I really need to know is how to get the pulley wheel OFF the top of the spindle... Thanks...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BayCo Bill

Thanks...the problem is that I cannot remove the pulley wheel from the top of the spindle. The nut/washer combination seems to be unmoveable. Am I missing something simple to facilitate the removal??? I guess what I really need to know is how to get the pulley wheel OFF the top of the spindle...Thanks.....

---

Do you have the convertible or freedom model?

I believe it is a freedom model... cannot find exact info in my paper work... have a good fathers day if applicable...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BayCo Bill

I believe it is a freedom model....cannot find exact info in my paper work......have a good fathers day if applicable....

---

Thanks and same to you if applicable. The Freedom model has no chute for the grass to be expelled like the convertible model.

Then I do have the convertible model... I cannot get the darn nut on the top of the pulley off! There must be something Im missing... How do I get the damn nut off?? Thanks again...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BayCo Bill

Then I do have the convertable model.....I cannot get the darn nut on the top of the pulley off!! there must be something Im missing....How do I get the damn nut off???? Thanks again...

---

I would recommend heating it with a torch if it's that tight. When I had to change mine I didn't have any trouble at all. Let me know if that doesn't work.