Best practices on changing blades

[PSU4ME]

I have a x380 JD and the deck is a little more complicated to take of than what I'd prefer. Does anyone not remove the deck to swap blades (I alternate two sets so I'm not looking to sharpen on the mower) to change them out?

I was thinking of just getting ramps and using a 2x4 and an impact wrench.

Anyone have a slick/safe way to do it?

[andy10917]

I was thinking of just getting ramps and using a 2x4 and an impact wrench.

Don't knock what has worked well forever. My one bit of advice is to keep the 2 X 4 perpendicular to the blade - it avoids any chance of getting the blade bent a slight bit as it rides up any incline in the 2 X 4.

[ericgautier]

When I had a rider, I bought these "rider ramps" from HD. The difference from a regular auto ramp is that it does not hit the deck when you ride up on it.

Also, I use impacts and can usually loosen and tighten the blades w/o using 2x4s.

[ericgautier]

Here's a video of how they look like --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBiFt5vugW5w (see how much more space you have to work with?).

[PSU4ME]

@Andy, not knocking it at all, I used to totally take the deck off which was prob dumb, wanting to go back to old faithful.

@eric, thanks for the links, I'm going to pick some up, I would like to get an easy process to keep it sharp all the time. Blades are cheap!

Thank you both

[andy10917]

Didn't mean to imply you were personally knocking it - more of a general statement. Back in my college days, I was a summertime small-engine mechanic. We'd put a tractor on a couple of 4 X 4 and four wooden milk crates. There is no way that was coming down.

[Pete1313]

Those are some nice ramps Eric.

For me, I am able to remove the blades while the tractor is on the ground. The center blade is alittle tougher. I use a long handle 1/2" ratchet and a piece of 2x4 to block the blade. I only take the deck off to clean it.. although with those ramps you could clean the deck without removing as well.

PSU4ME, how are you enjoying the cut quality of the Accel deck?

[PSU4ME]

I definitely going to try out a new process. Those blocks are on my list!

I'm 30 min short of my 8 hour oil change so I'll likely switch the blades out at that time as well.

@Pete, it definitely has a better cut and the mower is hands down better quality. I still have some irregular cuttings that occur so I think it got more to do with the land contour than the mower now. Just a learning thing for me at this point.

The other day my neighbor asked to use it for his front lawn, I asked if his was broke and he said no, I just smiled like a proud dad!!