Riding Lawn Mowers

Mr. Cariker, I knew I couldn't be the ONLY owner of this tractor having SAME problem.  See my post--copied below-- from this past Sunday (NO response yet

from this site).  This is a very DANGEROUS DEFECT with this model and has happened THREE times with my tractor this past year. 

Problem with BLADE & bolt falling OFF new Husqvarna GTH26V52LS Garden Tractor. THREE times in 1st YEAR of ownership.

Details:

On 6/2/11 I purchased a new Husqvarna GTH26V52LS Garden Tractor from STI Turf Care in Colfax, NC. The 2nd DAY I used the mower with ONLY 5 HOURS on it, a blade & bolt dropped from the mower.  Never heard anything & had mowed a while before saw blade & bolt on ground--together with bolt threads up from center of star hole of blade..  I mow a lot of grass & my lawn is certainly not a golf course, but was on smooth & level ground when this happened.  Dealer was not going to even come & pick up the TWO-DAY OLD MOWER WITH ONLY 5 HOURS ON IT or cover under warranty.  They insisted I must have hit something to shear off the bolt.  I did NOT. After planning to return the mower for full refund, dealer finally agreed to pick it up & make repairs.  I'm sure they put same blade & bolt back on machine.  Then in October 2011 (5-MONTH OLD MOWER WITH 88 HOURS ON IT), a blade fell off again, and I found the bolt within one foot of blade.  Perfectly smooth & level ground once again.  Dealer again flatly refused to pick up the mower & make repairs under warranty.  I misplaced the bolt in my garage & they priced new one for $10.00 (NO warranty since had to be my fault per dealer).  Went to LTD in King, NC & bought new factory bolt for under $6.00.  Local repairman I have always trusted to service three John Deere & Toro Wheelhorse (I have used on SAME grounds past 15 years--without EVER having a blade fall off ANY of them!) made the repair, sharpened all the blades, & serviced the machine.  I decided after their rip-off price for part that should be warrantied, overall poor service attitude & not standing behind their product that I would NOT deal with STI again. All went well until yesterday, 6/16/12, with 111.5 HOURS & just over ONE-YEAR old, blade fell off again on perfectly smooth & level ground.  As with other two times, no noise or any idea blade was off until I came around & saw it on ground.  This time I cannot find the bolt.  I am extremely aggravated & disappointed considering price I paid for this machine.  I am NOT abusing the tractor or subjecting it to anything or anywhere my two JD or Toro have gone before.  Cutting at 2.5" to 3" and NO obstacles. This problem is NOT from the operator.  Has to be mechanical defect. I have not marked the blades so have no idea if SAME blade each time. What do you suggest??  I received no help from dealership.

Blades dropping off GTH26V52LS. I recently bought a...escalated

Service & Maintenance Question posted Yesterday by Bill Cariker

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Question:

Blades dropping off GTH26V52LS. I recently bought a GTH26V52LS garden tractor. Less than 12 hours on the engine and am having trouble with blades dropping off spindles due to 7/16" bolt vibrating off. This bolt right hand threaded and want to know if this has been common problem. Not just one blade but of the three blades, only the center one has not come off. What is the spec for the exact torque on this bolt - can't find this anywhere in parts manual. Am at a loss at what to do. Thanks.