JD LX277 PTO bolt keeps breaking off

J

JAG79

Forum Newbie
I bought it used 8 years ago. Bolt broke first time 3 years later. 4 years later bolt broke again. Bolt broke again a year later. Any ideas what could be causing this?
 
Waiting on the "go buy some grade 8 or tungsten carbide bolts" crowd LOL. (y) Maybe some ARP 9000 wonder bolts.

Sounds like the bolts are not tight enough. Mowers have a ton of vibration and get bumped around during mowing. Buy new bolts and orange thread lock them in. Proper torque spec might be a good idea.

Also look for dead siezed spindle bearings or idler bearings causing extra blade load.

Deck might be clogged with who knows debris.
 
Usually those 7/16"-20 X 3-1/4" screws are grade 5. Also are torqued to 55 ft-lbs per the service manual. many hardware store sell lower grade screws.

Here is how to tell which screws are which.

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slomo said:
Waiting on the "go buy some grade 8 or tungsten carbide bolts" crowd LOL. (y) Maybe some ARP 9000 wonder bolts.

Sounds like the bolts are not tight enough. Mowers have a ton of vibration and get bumped around during mowing. Buy new bolts and orange thread lock them in. Proper torque spec might be a good idea.

Also look for dead siezed spindle bearings or idler bearings causing extra blade load.

Deck might be clogged with who knows debris.
Click to expand...
Each time I have gotten the replacement bolt from the dealer. It actually looks like grade 8 markings. Also am torquing to 55 ft lbs.
 
I had the neighbors lx 277 drop the bolt,the part of the inside pulley part didn't fall out,tho it's cockeyed and won't go back up and inside to reattach the bolt.You can wiggle an mess with it all you want.Whats the solution?
 
This sounds like the tip of the crank has been damaged from multiple loose PTO clutch installs. If the clutch does not install with a snug initial fit, then the tip of the crank has been worn out of round.

The next issue is if plain washers are being used or the correct "flat side" thick spacer is being used with the bolt.
 
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