How do you replace the cutting blade on a Countax 30, 1997 model? One of the 3 bolts has snapped off and the other 2 are worn. How do you get the hub off to rebore the hole for the broken bolt. Is it seeled from above and do you need to remove the 4 bols and nuts on the deck/floor through to the underside?

rory steevenson, May 2009

I think its best to remove the entire cutter deck for this - it will give you better access to the blade bolts and hub bolts. It sounds like the central bolt has snapped...see if you can undo the 2 outer blade carrying bolts to remove the blade. Once this is off, the hub can be unbolted (4 nuts and the bolts are captive). I reckon its best to renew the complete hub, with bearings, rather than getting the snapped off bolt machined out - unless it unscrews reasonably easily.
To shift the damaged blade bolts - heat them up, then bash on a socket that is slightly smaller than the intended one and try again.

John, May 2009