So I bent my push mower shaft...

[paperfist]

and now I know how they felt on the Titanic.

Anyway, the blade now overlaps the deck on the bottom. Am I able to bend the shaft back into shape or will that cause massive vibrations leading to the blade snapping off and taking off one or more of my feet?

 

[boomerang]

In my earlier days I worked as a lawn mower mechanic. When we got a homeowner mower (we primarily dealt with commercial equipment) in with a bent crank we replaced the engine. We knew that a shop a few miles away though could straighten crankshafts.

After purchasing my first home, I ran over a sprinkler head that I didn't know was there, was too high and hidden in long grass that the previous owner had left for me. The crankshaft got bent. I took it to the shop that had the equipment to straighten the crank.

That 'equipment' was a big hammer. No shit. They removed the spark plug, tipped the mower on it's side, pulled the recoil rope and beat on the high side of the crank, repeating the process until the crank was running straight and true. I could have done it myself. I thought they had some special equipment.

YMMV

 

[paperfist]

In my earlier days I worked as a lawn mower mechanic. When we got a homeowner mower (we primarily dealt with commercial equipment) in with a bent crank we replaced the engine. We knew that a shop a few miles away though could straighten crankshafts.

After purchasing my first home, I ran over a sprinkler head that I didn't know was there, was too high and hidden in long grass that the previous owner had left for me. The crankshaft got bent. I took it to the shop that had the equipment to straighten the crank.

That 'equipment' was a big hammer. No shit. They removed the spark plug, tipped the mower on it's side, pulled the recoil rope and beat on the high side of the crank, repeating the process until the crank was running straight and true. I could have done it myself. I though they had some special equipment.

YMMV

Lol nice thanks!

I was thinking of the big hammer route but I wasn't sure what they made the cranks out of these days and I didn't know how bad smashing it on the outside would scramble stuff on the insides.

I guess I'll take a look at it again now that I can work in sunlight.

 

[boomerang]

I was concerned with damaging the mower deck itself and that the crankshaft seal would end up leaking but neither turned out to be an issue. They may have made the mower decks out of heavier material then...

 

[paperfist]

I was concerned with damaging the mower deck itself and that the crankshaft seal would end up leaking but neither turned out to be an issue. They may have made the mower decks out of heavier material then...

hmm I guess if it got whacked and is bent one way with nothing leaking then I can whack it back to the other way. I called around and pretty much got the same answer as you used to give out, "No sir, you have to replace the whole crank". lol for the amount of money I sunk into this 4 year old John Deere push mower I could have bought a rider.

 

[Raizinman]

There is a special tool designed for straightening lawn mower crankshafts both on the mower and off. I have seen both used with very good success. Try and GOOGLE Lawn Mower Crankshaft Straightener, and you will find Youtube, Ebay and all sorts of good information. The downside is: Mowers have gotten cheaper and are now pretty much disposable. To put this much time, effort and money into a $150 mower is not always worth it. Often better to trash the mower and just go buy another one unless you are just looking for a project. Even the on mower crankshaft straightener is being sold for around $350. When you add in labor and some parts, you could easily purchase a new mower for that money.

 

[paperfist]

There is a special tool designed for straightening lawn mower crankshafts both on the mower and off. I have seen both used with very good success. Try and GOOGLE Lawn Mower Crankshaft Straightener, and you will find Youtube, Ebay and all sorts of good information. The downside is: Mowers have gotten cheaper and are now pretty much disposable. To put this much time, effort and money into a $150 mower is not always worth it. Often better to trash the mower and just go buy another one unless you are just looking for a project. Even the on mower crankshaft straightener is being sold for around $350. When you add in labor and some parts, you could easily purchase a new mower for that money.

Thanks!

It was a $500 mower and not a very good one as it's been about another $350 in repairs over 4 years. So tough to just throw away.

No shop will touch it for liabilty reasons as Boomer said and it's been so hot here I haven't touched it either as the grass isn't growing. Plus it's leaking oil out of the shaft so it prob needs a rebuild.

 

[lxskllr]

People are always selling used mowers. I'd get one of those, then hack the current mower into shape to the best of your ability.

Editorial...

I haven't been particularly impressed with the Deere equipment I've used. I'm not sure the premium price is worth it. My Deere rider just quit starting, and the grass couldn't wait. I bought a used Craftsman from the consignment shop for $550. I got the Deere used years ago, and it doesn't owe me anything, but it's a complete hack job with stuff tied up with cord and tie wire. The best part about is the Kawasaki motor. I've been very impressed with that. Otherwise, the fit/finish is mediocre.

 

[Greenman]

The solution is a riding mower, 25 horsepower should do the trick.

 

[paperfist]

People are always selling used mowers. I'd get one of those, then hack the current mower into shape to the best of your ability.

Editorial...

I haven't been particularly impressed with the Deere equipment I've used. I'm not sure the premium price is worth it. My Deere rider just quit starting, and the grass couldn't wait. I bought a used Craftsman from the consignment shop for $550. I got the Deere used years ago, and it doesn't owe me anything, but it's a complete hack job with stuff tied up with cord and tie wire. The best part about is the Kawasaki motor. I've been very impressed with that. Otherwise, the fit/finish is mediocre.

Dang that just gave me an idea! I've heard those Harbor Freight Predator motors are Honda knock offs and they are like $125. I was actually thinking of hacking one together like you said but then I have to deal with all those other parts. Hmm I wonder if I can get one of those battery powered motors?

Yeah I bought the Deere based on reputation and that was a bad move! It's been nothing but a piece of junk. In fact the 15 year old Craftsmen I replaced was more reliable, just ugly so it had to go lol