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How a Craftsman Lawnmower Gets the Job Done

Craftsman mowers are Lawn Mower Spindles no exception. However, just like a car requires regular maintenance, a Craftsman mower, like any mower, will require periodic adjustments and part replacements to keep it operating at its best. By replacing parts on your Craftsman mower when needed, you will prolong the life of the mower and save yourself from frustration due to any decline in performance.Craftsman mowers are composed of numerous parts - too numerous in fact to mention them all here. However, this article will provide an overview of some of the more common parts that may require replacement, and some tips for replacing each.Lawn mower wheels and tires can become damaged from side stress and hard impacts, or just wear out over time.

Fortunately, replacing them is both inexpensive and easy, taking just a few minutes. After elevating the wheels so they can spin freely, use a crescent wrench to remove the axle bolt that holds the wheel. Then, just slide the old wheel off and replace it with the new wheel, tightening the bolt to secure it. To replace tires, first deflate them, then use a pair of screwdrivers to pry the old tire off the rim. Next, seat the valve stem and fit the new tire over the rim, again making use of the screwdrivers. C-clamps may also help when fitting the new tire around the rim. Finally, make sure to re-inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.Belts should last several years, but if they don't, it may be a problem with the pulley rather than the belt. Faulty bearings or grass clippings stuck between the pulley and belt can increase friction and dramatically shorten a belt's life. So, before buying a new belt, it may make sense to have your mower checked out by a professional. Also, when buying a new belt, make sure you are purchasing the right type of a belt as a replacement.

For instance, there are drive belts, blade belts, transmission belfts, deck belts, and more.Dull blades are a simple fact of life for well-used lawn mowers. New blades will significantly speed up mowing and save lots of frustration due to repeatedly mowing the same patches of grass. It is important to understand when purchasing replacement blades for your mower to choose blades of the appropriate size. Blade length is measured diagonally between each cutting tip while the width is measured at the widest part of the blade. Make sure you know the model number of your mower when selecting replacement blades, different mowers use different blade sizes and types.The spindle and its assembly allows the pulley to turn. In the event a new one is needed, make sure that the assembly includes the pulley nut and washer, blade bolt and washer, and the mouting bolts. In addition, it may be desirable to choose a spindle assembly with pre-tapped moutning holes so an impact wrench won't be required to install the bolts.

This can sometimes cause the bolts to break while being installed.
There are many other parts that may require replacement on a lawn mower other than the ones above, such as bearings and bushings, steering parts, throttle controls, electrical parts, and more. Consulting your mower manual or doing some research online should help you through the replacement process. In addition, there are several do-it-yourself mower repair videos online that will show you step-by-step how to replace the part.Although it is fairly inexpensive to replace most Craftsman mower parts, there are rebuild kits available in the event you need to replace multiple parts at once. These kits save you the time, money, and hassle of purchasing each part separately. For instance, the AYP Deck Rebuild Kit contains spindle assemblies, drive pulleys, mower blades, a deck belt, and all the associated bolts.