Deck Spindles

[Krice58 138]

Any one know if the deck spindles are the same for the 42 and 48 inch SD mower deck. 42 inch (Model # 5-1011) is from ‘75 and the 48 inch is from ‘88 (Model # 0548SC01). They appear to be the same, the only difference I see is that the spindles from ‘88 have the grease fittings on top rather than underneath. My 42” deck is in poor condition but I wanted to salvage the spindles to keep as spares for my 48”. 

Edited November 14, 2025 by Krice58

[Krice58 138]

1 hour ago, Krice58 said:

Any one know if the deck spindles are the same for the 42 and 48 inch SD mower deck. 42 inch (Model # 5-1011) is from ‘75 and the 48 inch is from ‘88 (Model # 0548SC01). They appear to be the same, the only difference I see is that the spindles from ‘88 have the grease fittings on top rather than underneath. My 42” deck is in poor condition but I wanted to salvage the spindles to keep as spares for my 48”. 

I’ve checked multiple parts lists and there’s all kinds of updates and superseding numbers, so I’m a bit confused.  

[cleat 8,352]

2 hours ago, Krice58 said:

Any one know if the deck spindles are the same for the 42 and 48 inch SD mower deck. 42 inch (Model # 5-1011) is from ‘75 and the 48 inch is from ‘88 (Model # 0548SC01). They appear to be the same, the only difference I see is that the spindles from ‘88 have the grease fittings on top rather than underneath. My 42” deck is in poor condition but I wanted to salvage the spindles to keep as spares for my 48”. 

I know the later model 42 and 48 spindles are totally interchangeable. Those all have the grease fittings in the top of the spindle however.

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,920]

If you look at the spindle identification charts the original spindle assembly for the 5-1011 was type K replaced by V, X and Z.

The 05-48SC01 original spindle assembly was type Z. I would say it should work.

 

[Krice58 138]

59 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

If you look at the spindle identification charts the original spindle assembly for the 5-1011 was type K replaced by V, X and Z.

The 05-48SC01 original spindle assembly was type Z. I would say it should work.

Thanks for the chart. Very helpful 

[Krice58 138]

What would go into rebuilding those if needed? I would imagine just bearings if the housing and shaft aren’t destroyed. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,920]

If you want to look at the illustrations the 5-1011 shows them all on two pages. Click on the fuzzy picture in this link to view. Then click on the small thumbnails to enlarge. Nothing to download.

 

[Lee1977 7,502]

Looks like both have metric spindles. The metric spindles have a 5/8" nut on top holding the pulley  with 17 mm spindle with 6203 bearings 40mm OD, 17 mm ID, 12 mm thick bearings with a 3/4" nut holding the blade.  

Edited November 14, 2025 by Lee1977

[peter lena 9,642]

@Krice58   think the most important thing you can do to a deck bearing  is to  carefully remove the grease shields , clean them out  , carb cleaner  , repack with lucas green chassis grease  , all my decks and  mule  drive bearings are 6203  ( 3/4 ) 2rsc3 , 550 deg , flash point , polyurea rated lubricant  is the exact  grease you want for stress and heat  . imagine , no bearing whine , remove spindle inner  bearing  grease shield , the difference in , spindle running ease , is amazing , also  detail in the  pto lever shaft start  , side of battery  tray , basically  washer up the sloppy  starting area , added a heim joint  to forward end , replaced the sloppy trundle set up . just some ideas , pete

 

[Easton Rich 796]

I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if 36” RD and 42” RD spindles were interchangeable? Thanks 

[kpinnc 16,527]

18 hours ago, Easton Rich said:

know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if 36” RD and 42” RD spindles were interchangeable? Thanks 

 

At least the ones I have seen, they are not interchangeable. The 36 inch deck spindles are much shorter (pulley to blade) than the 42 and 48 inch. Not sure about the bolt pattern. 

[Brockport Bill 2,176]

18 hours ago, Easton Rich said:

I know this is an old thread, but I was wondering if 36” RD and 42” RD spindles were interchangeable? Thanks 

the 36 spindle is notably "shorter" - considerably different spindle housing unit than the 42/48 -  i am rehabbing a 36 deck now - - here is photo of the 3 housings

[peter lena 9,642]

@Krice58  personally  think the most important part of any pulley  is the lubrication , thats your failure point  ,  you don't know wat it is , but probably  on the cheapest  / minimal service side of the chart . never had a failure or  WHYINING  NOISE , from any of my spindle bearings , with lucas x tra hd green chassis grease , that 550 deg  drop point alone , tells you this is serious stuff ,  polyurea rated ? anti sling  , so it stays with the bearing  , also always go for , where available , is wide pop off grease side shields , easily removed , wipe out , carb cleaner , flush, re pack with lucas , every ROTATIONAL STAGE OF  MY  PTO  DRIVE , HAS THIS LUBE, no screaming clutch  , just  smooth easy  spin up , have never  burned up a clutch unit , what does that tell you  about  lubrication ? often refer to moving my pto mule  drive belt by hand ?  only a suggestion  ,  most of the stuff i see is a wreck ,  pete 

[groundhog47 444]

On 11/14/2025 at 11:37 AM, Krice58 said:

Any one know if the deck spindles are the same for the 42 and 48 inch SD mower deck. 42 inch (Model # 5-1011) is from ‘75 and the 48 inch is from ‘88 (Model # 0548SC01). They appear to be the same, the only difference I see is that the spindles from ‘88 have the grease fittings on top rather than underneath. My 42” deck is in poor condition but I wanted to salvage the spindles to keep as spares for my 48”. 

 If not already mentioned the younger spindles went metric blade shaft. I believe pulley bore and keyway only was affected. In my pictures it appears blade nuts and bearing are 3/4".  If memory serves me the 48" and 42" have different diameter drive pulleys also metric or standard.

[groundhog47 444]

@Lee1977 Appears I stepped on your reply, apologies.