One often overlooked but critical part of spindle maintenance is ensuring the spindle bolts are properly torqued. Over-tightened bolts may cause damage or warping, while under-tightened bolts can lead to spindle failure or even blade detachment.
This post provides a comprehensive Mower Deck Spindle Bolts Torque Chart for various brands and models, helping you maintain safety and equipment longevity.
Mower Deck Spindle Bolts Torque Chart
John Deere
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| D100, D110, D120, D130, D140 | 65–75 | 70 | Use anti-seize on threads |
| X300, X320, X350 | 70–90 | 70 | Apply Loctite Blue if reused |
| X500, X530, X570 | 70–90 | 70 | Check for wear annually |
| LA145 (48″ deck) | 65–75 | 90 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| 62C (AM144377) | 19 | 90 | Pulley nut torque: 106 ft-lbs |
| X738, X739 | 70–90 | 70 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| Z425, Z445, Z465 | 65–75 | 90 | Inspect threads for wear |
Husqvarna
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| YTH22V46, Z254, Z248F, MZ61 | 45–55 | 45–55 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| TS 354XD, RZ5424 | 45–55 | 50 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| GT54CS, YTA24V48 | 50–60 | 45–55 | Inspect threads for wear |
| Z246, Z242F | 45–55 | 45–55 | Check for torque loss annually |
| TS138, TS148 | 45–55 | 45–50 | Replace stretched bolts |
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Cub Cadet
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| XT1, XT2 Enduro, ZT1, ZT2 | 65–75 | 50–60 | Avoid overtightening spindle housing bolts |
| LTX1040, LTX1042 | 65–75 | 50–60 | Replace stretched bolts |
| RZT-L, RZT-S | 60–70 | 50–60 | Use torque wrench, not impact driver |
| CC30, CC30H | 60–70 | 50–60 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| Z-Force S, Z-Force L | 65–75 | 55–65 | Check spindle shaft annually |
Toro
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TimeCutter SS, MX, Titan MyRide | 80–90 | 85–110 | Apply Loctite Blue if reused |
| ZMaster 74242 | 80–90 | 85–110 | Pulley nut torque: 40–50 ft-lbs |
| TimeMaster 21199 | 75–85 | 85–100 | Check for torque loss annually |
| Groundsmaster 322-D | 20 | 85–100 | Self-tapping bolts; pulley nut: 120 ft-lbs (suggested) |
| Titan ZX4800, ZX5400 | 80–90 | 90–110 | Use high-torque wrench |
| Recycler 20339, 20340 | 75–85 | 85–100 | Inspect threads for wear |
Related John Deere Bolt Torque Chart(Complete Guide)
Craftsman
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T110, T225, Z5400, LT2000 | 50–60 | 50–60 | Replace any stretched bolts |
| T1000 | 50–60 | 50–60 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| CMXGRAM1130036 | 55–65 | 50–60 | Inspect spindle shaft annually |
| ZT7000, ZT7500 | 55–65 | 55–65 | Retorque after seasonal storage |
| T310, T320 | 50–60 | 50–60 | Use anti-seize on threads |
MTD
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard Machines, Bolens, Troy-Bilt | 45–60 | 45–60 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| 13AM77LS058 | 45–60 | 50 | Check for wear after 20 hours |
| White Outdoor LT-2000 | 50–60 | 45–60 | Retorque after seasonal storage |
| Yard-Man 13A0785T055 | 45–60 | 45–60 | Inspect bolts for wear |
| Troy-Bilt Bronco, Super Bronco | 50–60 | 45–60 | Use torque wrench |
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Bad Boy
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZT Elite, Maverick, MZ Magnum | 85–95 | 75–85 | Use OEM torque specs for newer models |
| Outlaw XP, Renegade | 90–100 | 80–90 | High-torque wrench recommended |
| Rebel, Rogue | 90–100 | 80–90 | Check torque after 15 hours |
| MZ42, MZ54 | 85–95 | 75–85 | Replace locking washers regularly |
Gravely
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZT HD, Pro-Turn 100, 200, 400 | 90–110 | 90–100 | High-torque spindle housing |
| ZT XL, Pro-Stance | 90–105 | 90–100 | Use thread-locker on bolts |
| Pro-QXT, ZT34 | 90–105 | 90–100 | Inspect annually for torque loss |
| Pro-Walk, Pro-Master | 90–110 | 90–100 | Retorque after 10 hours |
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Scag
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiger Cat II, Freedom Z, Patriot | 115–125 | 100–110 | Factory pre-set; check if loosened |
| Cheetah II, V-Ride II | 110–120 | 100–110 | Inspect annually for torque loss |
| Turf Tiger II, Wildcat | 115–125 | 100–110 | Use high-torque wrench |
| Sabre Tooth Tiger | 110–120 | 100–110 | Check spindle shaft threads |
Ferris
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISX800, IS700Z, IS2100Z | 90–105 | 90–100 | Use thread-locker on housing bolts |
| IS3200Z, ISX2200 | 95–105 | 90–100 | Retorque after 15 hours |
| IS5100Z, IS600Z | 90–105 | 90–100 | Inspect threads for wear |
| SRS Z1, SRS Z2 | 90–100 | 90–100 | Use star-pattern tightening |
Exmark
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lazer Z, Radius E/S/X Series | 75–90 | 85–100 | Check for torque loss annually |
| Quest, Pioneer S-Series | 75–90 | 85–100 | Use anti-seize on threads |
| Navigator, Metro | 75–90 | 85–100 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| Turf Tracer, Vantage | 75–90 | 85–100 | Replace stretched bolts |
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Snapper
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPX, 360Z, Zero Turn | 55–65 | 55–65 | Inspect spindle shaft threads for wear |
| NXT, 400Z | 60–70 | 60–65 | Replace locking washers regularly |
| 200Z, 300Z | 55–65 | 55–65 | Use torque wrench, not impact driver |
| SPX2246, SPX2548 | 60–70 | 60–65 | Check torque after seasonal storage |
Walker
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model B, S, T, MT Series | 50–65 | 65 | Blade torque critical for balance |
| Model C, D | 50–65 | 65 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| Model R, H | 50–65 | 65 | Inspect threads for wear |
| Super B, DC Series | 50–65 | 65 | Use star-pattern tightening |
Dixie Chopper
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Eagle, Classic, BlackHawk | 100–110 | 90–100 | Tighten with high-torque wrench |
| Zee 2, Xcaliber | 95–105 | 90–100 | Check for wear annually |
| Iron Eagle, Eagle HP | 100–110 | 90–100 | Use thread-locker on bolts |
| Magnum, X2 | 95–105 | 90–100 | Retorque after 15 hours |
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Wright
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stander X, ZK, Sport I/S | 90–100 | 85–95 | Replace locking washers regularly |
| Velke, Sentar | 90–100 | 85–95 | Lube bolts lightly before torquing |
| Stander Z, Sport X | 90–100 | 85–95 | Inspect annually for torque loss |
| WSZK, WSPX | 90–100 | 85–95 | Use high-torque wrench |
Bobcat
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZT2000, ZT3500, ZT7000 | 95–105 | 90–100 | Lube bolts lightly before torquing |
| Predator-Pro, FastCat | 90–100 | 90–100 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| CRZ, ProCat | 95–105 | 90–100 | Check for wear after 20 hours |
| ZT6000, ZT6100 | 95–105 | 90–100 | Retorque after seasonal storage |
Related Kohler Spark Plug Chart(Updated For All Models)
Ryobi
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38” Electric, RY48111, RYRM8010 | 40–50 | 40–50 | Use torque wrench, not impact driver |
| RYRM8021 | 45–55 | 40–50 | Check torque after 10 hours |
| RY48130, RY48140 | 40–50 | 40–50 | Inspect threads for wear |
| ZTR480ex | 45–55 | 45–50 | Retorque after 15 hours |
DeWalt
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z260, Z254, Z160 | 90–95 | 85–95 | Designed for commercial-grade torque |
| Z148, Z142 | 85–95 | 85–95 | Retorque after seasonal storage |
| Z144, Z146 | 85–95 | 85–95 | Use star-pattern tightening |
| DCMWSP244U2 | 85–90 | 80–90 | Check spindle shaft annually |
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Ariens
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ikon XD, Apex, Edge Series | 80–85 | 75–85 | Torque in 3-step increments |
| Zoom, Max Zoom | 80–85 | 75–85 | Inspect threads for wear |
| Ikon XL, Zenith | 80–85 | 75–85 | Use thread-locker on bolts |
| Edge 34, Edge 42 | 80–85 | 75–85 | Retorque after 10 hours |
Swisher
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z3166CPKA, ZTR2454BS, ZT2760B | 60–70 | 60–70 | Recheck torque after seasonal storage |
| T1360, ZT2560 | 60–70 | 60–65 | Use anti-seize on threads |
| ZT2450, ZT2660 | 60–70 | 60–65 | Inspect bolts for wear |
| ZTR2766BS | 60–70 | 60–70 | Use star-pattern tightening |
Kubota
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCK60B (BX2230) | 65–75 | 72–87 | Use OEM torque specs |
| ZD1211, ZD1511 | 70–80 | 75–85 | Retorque after 15 hours |
| BX1880, BX2380 | 65–75 | 72–87 | Check for torque loss annually |
| ZG222, ZG227 | 70–80 | 75–85 | Use high-torque wrench |
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Case Colt Ingersoll
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RM/3-4000, 200/400 Series | 60–70 | 35 | Grade 5 bolts; pulley nut: 100 ft-lbs (LH decks) |
| 446, 448 | 60–70 | 35 | Inspect threads for wear |
| 3016, 4018 | 60–70 | 35 | Use star-pattern tightening |
Simplicity
| Model(s) | Spindle Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Blade Bolt Torque (ft-lbs) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champion XT, Broadmoor | 65–75 | 60–70 | Check for torque loss annually |
| Prestige, Conquest | 70–80 | 65–75 | Use thread-locker on bolts |
| Courier, Regent | 65–75 | 60–70 | Retorque after 10 hours |
| ZT1500, ZT2500 | 65–75 | 60–70 | Inspect spindle shaft threads |
Important Torque Tips
- Never guess torque – always use a calibrated torque wrench.
- Avoid power tools for final tightening – these can exceed safe limits.
- Re-check torque after initial use (first 5–10 hours).
- Use OEM hardware – cheap or mismatched bolts can lead to failure.
- Replace damaged bolts or threads immediately.
- Apply anti-seize or thread locker as specified by your brand.
How to Torque Spindle Bolts Properly
- Clean the bolt and thread area with a rag and degreaser.
- Apply thread locker (if required by manufacturer).
- Hand-tighten bolts first, following a star pattern for even pressure.
- Use a torque wrench, tighten gradually to the recommended ft-lbs.
- Check after use, and periodically throughout the season.
Common Torque Wrench Ranges for Mowers
| Torque Wrench Type | Range (ft-lbs) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Beam Type | 0 – 150 ft-lbs | Occasional home maintenance |
| Click Type | 10 – 100 ft-lbs | Most lawn mower applications |
| Digital Torque Wrench | 5 – 250 ft-lbs | High-accuracy, professional use |
FAQs
What torque should bolts be?
Torque for bolts depends on several factors:
- Bolt size (diameter)
- Thread pitch
- Bolt grade/material
- Application (e.g., blade, spindle, pulley)
As a rule of thumb, here are typical torque ranges:
What is the torque spec for a lawn mower?
Lawn mower torque specs vary by component:
- Blade bolts: Usually 45–90 ft-lbs depending on size and brand.
- Spindle mounting bolts: Typically 20–40 ft-lbs for self-tapping bolts or 45–75 ft-lbs for threaded.
- Pulley nuts: Often 80–120 ft-lbs, but some are as low as 40 ft-lbs.
Example:
- John Deere 62C Deck:
- Spindle mounting: 19 ft-lbs
- Blade bolt: 90 ft-lbs
- Pulley nut: 106 ft-lbs
How to tell which mower spindle is bad?
Signs of a bad mower spindle:
- Loud grinding or squealing: Worn bearings or metal-on-metal contact.
- Excessive vibration: Unbalanced spindle or bent shaft.
- Uneven cuts or scalping: The spindle isn’t holding the blade level.
- Wobbling blade: Indicates bearing play or loose spindle bolt.
- Heat around spindle area: Bearings may be failing.
Test tip: With the belt off, try spinning the blade by hand. If it’s rough, wobbly, or noisy, the spindle is likely worn.
What is the torque on a Toro spindle?
It depends on the model:
- Toro Z Master 74242:
- Blade Bolt Torque: 85–110 ft-lbs
- Pulley Nut Torque: 40–50 ft-lbs
For TimeCutter or Groundsmaster models, check the manual, some models have self-tapping spindle bolts and vary significantly.
What is the torque for a 12mm bolt?
A standard 12mm bolt torque varies by thread pitch and grade:
- Grade 8.8 (most common):
- Coarse thread (1.75mm): 81 ft-lbs (110 Nm)
- Grade 10.9:
- Coarse thread: 115 ft-lbs (156 Nm)
Always verify bolt grade and lubrication state when torquing to avoid damage.
How much torque is required to tighten bolts?
The torque required depends on:
- Bolt size and grade
- Lubrication (dry vs lubricated threads)
- Application Stress
General formula (for steel bolts):
T (ft-lbs) ≈ (bolt diameter in inches) × (bolt grade factor)
Use a torque chart or calculator, or consult manufacturer specs to prevent over- or under-tightening.
