deck spindle questions

[rokon2813 272]

Just recently had my first experience with the 2 piece split spindle housings.

Are these a direct replacement / upgrade for the older 1 piece style?

The shafts are splined, as well as the pulleys. It seems to me the splines would be better than the older shafts and pulleys with a single key way.

[ardisam 23]

I believe that the splined shafts have been out since the mid to late 70's.

[PhanDad 3,616]

The newer splined shaft arbors are a replacement for the older style arbors, but not a direct replacement. You use rings to position the splined arbors in the correctly depending on the deck shell. Here's an example of the instructions:

Now the longer story: I guess you can call them an upgrade, but in many cases, the bearings/shaft assembly can move vertically about an 1/8" in the two piece housing. Not sure if it's a function of the stamping of the individual housing lot or something else (grease, vibration). And if left out in the weather, the top pulley can be a bear to remove when rusted on, especially the taller one piece double pulley for the center arbor. And an issue with the first generation "flat blade" splined arbor is the splines get chewed up by the blade and getting the upper blade adapter off many times requires hand filing of the shaft splines to remove the "mushrooming". The second generation pre-ground the area that was damaged and a collar was used to take up the space. Third generation was the "gull wing" style blades that eliminated the problem entirely by using a different splined washer. And if you still want more, see this post about splined arbors:http://www.simpletractors.com/club2/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true&TOPIC_ID=117904

[rokon2813 272]

Thank you Bill. That is exactly what I needed.

[MikeES 458]

Keep in mind the adaptor kit only applies if you are changing the center arbor only to the split housing/splined shaft style. If changing all arbors to split housing style don't use the adaptor kit in the center arbor.