How do I Remove Pulleys Off the Spindles on a John Deere L120?
The John Deere L120 features a powerful 22-horsepower, V-twin Briggs and Stratton engine, and a two-pedal hydrostatic transmission. The L120 is equipped with a three-blade, 48-inch cutting deck. The mower blades are attached to the three spindles that are mounted to the mower deck. The blades are made from aluminum, with an upper and lower bearing, and a steel shaft to which the mower blade bolts. If the spindle pulleys are bent or starting to pit from rust, it can cause the belt to break.
Remove all eight 10mm bolts from the two black plastic covers protecting the three spindles and pulleys found on top of the mower deck, using a 10mm wrench. This will expose the spindles and pulleys underneath.
- The John Deere L120 features a powerful 22-horsepower, V-twin Briggs and Stratton engine, and a two-pedal hydrostatic transmission.
- The blades are made from aluminum, with an upper and lower bearing, and a steel shaft to which the mower blade bolts.
Remove the large nut on top of one of the spindles. Turn on the air compressor and attach the air wrench to the compressor. Holding the spindle with one hand, place the air wrench on top of the nut, set the air wrench to the reverse setting and pull on the trigger. Once the nut is removed, slide the pulley off.
Inspect the pulley for pitting or wear. If damaged, slide a new pulley over top of the spindle, and reinstall the nut on top of the pulley with the air wrench. Repeat these steps for the other two identical spindles.
- Remove the large nut on top of one of the spindles.
- Holding the spindle with one hand, place the air wrench on top of the nut, set the air wrench to the reverse setting and pull on the trigger.
Reinstall the eight 10mm bolts to the two black protective covers, using the 10mm wrench.
Remove A John Deere Mower Deck
If you accidentally rollover your John Deere riding mower or if you just want to overhaul the rider, you will need to know the proper techniques for removing the mower deck. The mower deck is simply attached via brackets and springs under the John Deere rider frame. Park the John Deere rider on a flat surface. Raise the mower deck height handle to the highest setting. Use the proper sized wrenches to remove the shields' bolts. Pull off the shields and slip the belt off of the pulleys. Locate the spring-loaded brackets at each corner of the mower deck.
- Reinstall the eight 10mm bolts to the two black protective covers, using the 10mm wrench.
- If you accidentally rollover your John Deere riding mower or if you just want to overhaul the rider, you will need to know the proper techniques for removing the mower deck.
Tip
The air compressor and air wrench are essential for this job. The pulleys can not be removed with hand tools.
Related Articles
References
- Deere: L120 Lawn Tractor
- Ian Gutoskie, Service Manager; Central Florida Power Equipment; Kissimmee, Florida
- Deere.com: Product Manuals
Tips
- The air compressor and air wrench are essential for this job. The pulleys can not be removed with hand tools.
Writer Bio
Based out of Orlando, Fla., Yvonne Grant has since 1997 done everything from designing and outlining company handbooks to preparing reports for the IRS. She maintains a popular interior design blog where she gives advice and design tips. Grant has bachelor's degrees in both business and interior design from the University of Central Florida and the International Academy of Design and Technology.
