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Collection, Preservation and Display of Old Lawn Mowers

JP Minor Mk2 Front Rollers

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This afternoon I took off the bolts off the front rollers with very little effort but the rollers would not slide off the bar as there was a small oblong metal 'bolt' at the end. I have sprayed WD 40 on the ends a few  hours previously.  I tried using an open ended spanner but could see it being rounded off. The oblong bits at both end are part of securing the front roller bar to the main chassis when tightening up the bolts. Any suggestions how to remove these without damaging them? Also what are these oblong bits called? Thanks 

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Chris G Tue, 23/04/2019

I don't have one of these mowers, but assuming they are threaded bolts, I would assume they are square head bolts, but even if they are special oblong shape, they would probably need an imperial size spanner or "special" tool. You are right not to use any old size spanner, a decent quality adjustable with little jaw play might be ok, depends how hard it has seized.

I would measure the shorter flats with a gauge and get the right spanner on it, I would heat it prior with a blow torch at the thread end as well, no need to go mad 20 secs or so.

 

wristpin Wed, 24/04/2019

Don’t know what they are called but a decent image may elicit a more helpful answer !

Triumph66 Thu, 25/04/2019

Thanks for the tips. I will heat it up gently as a last resort if the penetrating fluid doesn't work. 

I usually do take photos but on this occasion I didn't for some reason.

Antbr123 Mon, 06/05/2019

All,

Having restored 2 JP Minors - I understand the problem.

The "Oblong metal bolt" is in fact a machined end of the roller shaft.  Do not belt with a hammer!! They are machined in parallel to keep the roller level to the bottom blade.

The rollers are retained on the shaft by tubular collars which are the same internal diameter as the shaft itself....from memory 7/16th"

Once these are removed there should be penny washers which sit against the sides of each roller.  Slide these off and the rollers should also come off.  If not.  Split the rollers with a chisel, especially if they are going to be replaced anyway.

Soak the shaft in some white vinegar for 2-3 days and this will remove a lot of rust.  Heat up with a blow torch and hold the collars in a vice.  Turn the shaft.  Do NOT use molegrips on the collars.  You are guaranteed to damage them.  Once removed repeat for any other collars on the roller shaft and you should be good to go.

Any questions - post a picture and I can advise.