[fjmg]

I wanted to canvas the members experience here in removing the spindles on a 60" mower deck. I am wondering how fragile the cogged pulleys are before I use a BFH or air hammer.

 

[99flhr]

I believe there are both metal and composite pulleys. I would advise caution with either, due to replacement costs

 

[fjmg]

You got that right! These are composite and are in nice shape but the bearings are junk. After much thinking I am leaning towards cutting the blade mount from the shaft and removing the shaft and composite sprocket Assy. upwards through the mandrel. I can then attempt to remove the sprocket in a much safer manner in a press with a jig to press on the sprocket near the shaft. I figure welding the blade mount back on square with the shaft can be done for much less than replacement cost of the sprockets or even fab a keyed hub that bolts to the end of the shaft to facilitate future removal!