Hi, I have to change the mandrel (again) on my craftsman model number 944.608220 42 inch - it's the star shape that holds the bades, is there another version I can put on it as I have to change it every year as it just wears down, it would be better isf I could find a fitting that screws on or something.

I have had 3 similar tracors over the past 25 years and never lost one mandrel. Are yiou certain that you are using the correct belts and spring on the clucth/brake

When you go get a new one ask for the heavy duty mandrel.
Always make sure your blade stays tight this is what causes them to wear out.
Hitting things will cause them to spin also,
Check the center of your blade make sure it fits tight no play.
Luck

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

I have had 3 similar tracors over the past 25 years and never lost one mandrel. Are yiou certain that you are using the correct belts and spring on the clucth/brake

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Thanks for getting back to me, Honestly - I think I wear them because I am a heavy user, by the end of the summer the blades are slipping. Just hoping there is a better design or way of holding the blades on. Belts etc should be fine as they came with the tractor new.

Thanks,
Chris.

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Originally Posted by DG

when you go get a new one ask for the heavy duty mandrel.
always make sure your blade stays tight this is what causes them to wear out.
hitting things will cause them to spin also,
check the center of your blade make sure it fits tight no play.
Luck

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Hm - I do hit things!! Just hoping there is a better design or way of holding the blades on. I will look for a heavy duty version, thanks for the tip,

Chris.

I am not saying this in a mean tone but it sounds like you know you are tough on equipment but shy on maintenance. Maintain your equipment by tightening bolts, sharpening blade, check your ground for object so you can quit hitting things. If you do hit something swap out the blade for a balance, sharpened one. Always balance your blades when sharpening them. Are you using this equipment commercially?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ballengerb1

I am not saying this in a mean tone but it sounds like you know you are tough on equipment but shy on maintainence. Maintain your equipment by tightening bolts, sharpening blade, check your ground for object so you can quit hitting things. If you do hit something swap out the blade for a balance, sharpened one. Always balance your blades when sharpening them. Are you using this equipment commercially??

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Hi, no, not commercial - thanks for the tips. I have an acerage to keep cut. Your right I asm a bit careles.
OI also have to replace the shaft assembly alonmg with the mandrel so thought maybe you could get a more resillient type, thanks a lot,

Chris.

Are you sure about the model # couldn't get it to come up.
You might be able to take you mandrel to a small engine parts store and match it to one with a round center.which means new blades also.
There are different one that's will bolt up.
That one is made for sears my AYP .

Thanks for that, I am searching, the model number is

Number 944.608220

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DG

are you sure about the model # couldn't get it to come up.
you might be able to take you mandrel to a small engine parts store and match it to one with a round center.which means new blades also.
there are different one thats will bolt up.
that one is made for sears my AYP .

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I think I have it, the number on the flyer is different from the manual - it's a 2008 model number 60822 and 60824 Briggs and Stratton 22hp v twin

That's the engine #
The model # will be under the seat