How to remove pully from mower deck spindle

[SgtBob 27]

:omg:

I need help on how to remove the pulley from a 42" mower deck spindle. I would like to remove the last two spindles from my mower deck to repaint the shell but cannot figure out how to get them off without destroying them. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. In trying to pry on them they don't seem real durable and started to bend.

[MaineDad 85]

Cutting torch! I have never, ever, ever been able to just remove them. Soaked in oil for weeks and heated - no success. Save time and cut them off...

[TT-(Moderator) 1,147]

If they are the keyless spindle shafts, remove the grease fittings and try driving the shaft down through the pulley using a brass drift.

I have also used an air hammer with a blunt tip bit to shock those pulleys loose. (hold the tip straight down on the pulley "hub" near the shaft and pull the trigger)

[SgtBob 27]

Well I did get them both off by placing the bottom of the spindle in a vise while securing the other half of the mower deck from a strap from the rafters keeping it level. I then used a pipe wrench on the pully twisting and prying together and they eventually came off. The bad is that I marked up both pulleys to the point I think I now need to replace them.................... but there at least off.

[gwgdog66 23]

Well I did get them both off by placing the bottom of the spindle in a vise while securing the other half of the mower deck from a strap from the rafters keeping it level. I then used a pipe wrench on the pully twisting and prying together and they eventually came off. The bad is that I marked up both pulleys to the point I think I now need to replace them.................... but there at least off.

SGT Bob,

I just sent you a PM.

[Don1977 604]

It's not a big loss those stamped steel pulleys wear out after a few years and need to be replaced to keep them from slipping in tall or thick grass.