Farm King FK301 Product manual

Finishing Mower
OperatOr and parts Manual
072011 FK301

3
Table of Contents - Finishing Mower
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................5
Safety............................................................................................................................................6
• Safety Instruction.............................................................................................................6
• General Safety..................................................................................................................7
• Start-up Safety .................................................................................................................7
• Operation Safety ..............................................................................................................7
• Transport Safety...............................................................................................................7
• Service and Maintenance Safety ....................................................................................8
• Storage Safety..................................................................................................................8
• Safety Signs .....................................................................................................................8
• Safety Sign Installation ...................................................................................................8
Assembly....................................................................................................................................10
• Hitch Assembly Instructions..........................................................................................10
• Wheel Assembly Instructions .......................................................................................10
Start-Up......................................................................................................................................10
• Machine Break-in ...........................................................................................................10
Operation ...................................................................................................................................11
• Connecting toTractor..................................................................................................... 11
• Field Use Preparation .................................................................................................... 11
• Field Operation...............................................................................................................12
• Disconnecting from Tractor...........................................................................................12
• Rear Discharge Mower Chain Kit Assembly ................................................................12
• Quick Hitch......................................................................................................................13
• Theory of Operation ......................................................................................................13
Maintenance ..............................................................................................................................15
• Service ............................................................................................................................15
Bolt Torque .................................................................................................................................17
• Checking BoltTorque .....................................................................................................17

4
Part Drawings.............................................................................................................................18
• Side Discharge Drawing................................................................................................18
• Side Discharge Parts List...............................................................................................19
• 4' Rear Discharge ...........................................................................................................22
• 4’ Rear Discharge Parts List...........................................................................................23
• 5’, 6’ & 7’ Rear Discharge Drawing ................................................................................26
• 5’, 6’ & 7’ Rear Discharge Parts List ..............................................................................27
• Gearbox Drawing...........................................................................................................30
• Gearbox Parts List..........................................................................................................31
• Spindle Assembly Drawing...........................................................................................32
• Spindle Parts List ...........................................................................................................33
• PTO Shaft Drawing ........................................................................................................34
• PTO Shaft Parts List .......................................................................................................35
• Chain Kit Assembly Drawing ........................................................................................36
• Rear Discharge Chain Kit Parts List ..............................................................................37
• Quick Hitch Kit Drawing.................................................................................................38
• Quick Hitch Kit Parts List................................................................................................39
Shipping Kit and Bundle Numbers ..........................................................................................40
Warranty .....................................................................................................................................42
Manufacturer’s statement: for technical reasons Buhler Industries Inc. reserves the right to modify
machinery design and specifications provided herein without any preliminary notice.
Information provided herein is of descriptive nature. Performance quality may depend on soil fertility,
applied agricultural techniques, weather conditions and other factors.
Table of Contents - Finishing Mower

5
Introduction - Finishing Mower
Introduction
Farm King has been building top quality finishing mowers for 15 years and has refined these
mowers to be among the best in the industry. Manufactured with top quality material, the edge of
the mower deck features solid reinforcing rods. These Finishing Mowers are Farm King Quick Hitch
compatible and are available in widths ranging from 48" to 84".
Each mower features three high-speed blades with one of the highest rated tip-speeds in the
industry. This creates powerful suction that lifts the grass for a crisp cut. A blade overlap of 1-5/8"
to 2-5/8" prevents stripping and ensures the lawn is mowed evenly.
Farm King Finishing Mowers are built to be durable and long lasting. Pneumatic tires with
puncture proof sealant are standard. Each wheel yoke assembly includes a cutting height
adjustment on the 1" wheel yoke shaft. Bushings in the wheel hubs ensure long-term reliability
without needing frequent lubrication. A slide adjustment is located under the gearbox for easy
belt tensioning.
Keep this manual handy for frequent reference. All new operators or owners must review the
manual before using the equipment and at least annually thereafter. Contact your Farm King
Dealer if you need assistance, information, or additional copies of the manual. Visit our website
at www.buhlerindustries.com/ for a complete list of dealers in your area.
The directions left, right, front and rear, as mentioned throughout this manual, are as seen facing
in the direction of travel
of the implement.

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Safety - Finishing Mower
Safety
Safety Instructions
Remember, YOU are the key to safety. Good safety practices not only protect you, but also the
people around you. Make these practices a working part of your safety program. Be certain that
everyone operating this equipment is familiar with the recommended operating and maintenance
procedures and follows all the safety precautions. Most accidents can be prevented. Do not risk
injury or death by ignoring good safety practices.
The alert symbol is used throughout this manual. It indicates attention is required and identifies
hazards. Follow the recommended precautions.
The safety alert symbol means…
ATTENTION! BECOME ALERT! YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED!
CAUTION
The caution symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It
may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
WARNING
The Warning Symbol indicates a potentially hazardous situation
that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury, and
includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed. It
may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
DANGER
The Danger Symbol indicates an imminently hazardous situation
that, if not avoided will result in death or serious injury. This
signal word is to be limited to the most extreme situations,
typically for machine components that, for functional purposes,
cannot be guarded.

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Safety - Finishing Mower
General Safety Instructions
• Have a first-aid kit available for use and know how to use it. Have a fire extinguisher
available, stored in a highly visible location, and know how to use it.
• Wear appropriate protective gear. This list may include but is not limited to:
- hard hat
- protective shoes with slip resistant soles
- protective glasses or goggles
- heavy gloves
- wet weather gear
- hearing protection
- respirator or filter mask
• Read and understand the Operator’s Manual and all safety signs before operating, servicing,
adjusting, repairing, or unplugging the equipment.
• Do not attempt any unauthorized modifications to your Farm King product as this could
affect function or safety, and could affect the life of the equipment.
• Never start or operate the mower except from the operator’s station on the power unit.
• Inspect and clean the working area before operating.
• Keep hands, feet, clothing, and hair away from moving parts.
• Ensure bystanders are clear of the area before operating.
Start-up Safety
• Do not let inexperienced operators or children run this equipment.
• Place all tractor and machine controls in neutral before starting.
• Operate only with ROPS and seatbelt equipped tractors.
• Do not operate inside a building unless there is adequate ventilation.
• Ensure all shields are in place and in good condition before operating.
• Stay clear of PTO shaft and machine when engaging PTO.
Operation Safety
• Do not permit riders.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing during operation.
• Never operate over 540 PTO rpm speed.
• Never operate the equipment in the raised position.
Transport Safety
• Review Transport Safety instructions in tractor manual before moving.
• Check with local authorities regarding transport on public roads. Obey all applicable laws
and regulations.
• Make sure the SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem and all the lights and reflectors that are
required by the local highway and transport authorities are in place, are clean, and can be
seen clearly by all overtaking and oncoming traffic.
• Never have the equipment in operation during transport.
• Always travel at a safe speed.
• Inflate transport tires to recommended pressure.

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Service and Maintenance Safety
• Stop engine, set brake, remove ignition key, and wait for all moving parts to stop before
servicing, adjusting, repairing, or unplugging.
• Support the equipment with blocks or safety stands before working beneath it.
• Follow good shop practices including:
- keep service area clean and dry
- be sure electrical outlets and tools are properly grounded
- use adequate light for the job.
• Use only tools, jacks, and hoists of sufficient capacity for the job.
• Replace and secure all shields removed during servicing before operating.
• Use heavy leather gloves to handle sharp objects.
• Failure to follow proper procedures when mounting a tire on a wheel or rim can produce
an explosion, which may result in serious injury or death.
Storage Safety
• Store the unit in an area away from human activity.
• Do not permit children to play on or around the stored machine.
• Support the frame on stands and blocks to provide a secure base.
Safety Signs
• The following illustration shows the approximate location and detail of safety signs.
• Keep all safety signs clean and legible and replace any that are damaged or missing.
• When original parts are replaced, any safety signs affixed to those parts should be replaced
as well. Replacement safety signs are available from your local dealer.
Installation
• To install safety signs, ensure the installation area is clean and dry. Decide on the exact
position before you remove the backing paper. Remove the smallest portion of the split
backing paper and align over the specified area. Carefully press in place.
• Slowly peel back the remaining paper and smooth the remaining portion in place. Small
air pockets can be pierced with a pin and smoothed out.
Safety - Finishing Mower
FM-45

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Safety - Finishing Mower
• Replace safety signs immediately should they become damaged, torn or illegible.
Obtain replacements from your authorized dealer using the part numbers shown.
12
3
4
6
5

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Assembly / Start-up - Finishing Mower
Assembly Instructions
Hitch Assembly Instructions
1. The hitch is assembled except for the two pivot bars (#70). Bolt one end of each pivot bar
between the welded brackets at the back of the deck using the bolts assembled in the mower.
2. Remove the 3/4" bolt (#64) at the top of the hitch weldment. Using the same bolt, assemble
with the pivot bars between the hitch weldment (#38).
Wheel Assembly Instructions
3. The wheel and tire assemblies (Side FM - #65, Rear FM - #67) are shipped in a separate carton.
Remove the wheel bolts (Side FM - #52, Rear FM - #55) from the four wheel yokes (Side FM -
#47, Rear FM - #54). Assemble the wheels using bolt and lock nut. Grease wheels and wheel
yokes before using for the first time.
Start-up
Machine Break-in
• The following items should be checked when the implement is used for the first time:
Before operating:
- Lubricate all grease points.
- Remove plug in gearbox, and fill with oil to plug level.
• After operating for 1/2 hour or after completing 1/2 acre (0.2 ha), stop the engine and set
the brake:
- Check all nuts, bolts, and other fasteners. Tighten to their specified torque level.
- Check that the blades are in good condition and bolted securely to the spindle.
- Check that the PTO driveline shield turns freely.
- Lubricate all grease points.
- Check the oil level in the gearbox. Add as required.
• After operating for 5 hours and after operating for 10 hours:
- Repeat the items above.
• After these initial checks, refer to the Maintenance section of this manual for regular
maintenance intervals.

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Operation Instructions
The Finishing Mower is designed to be used on a tractor with a standard category 1 three-point
hitch. See the specification sheet for horsepower requirements. Using excessive power will
shorten the life of the drive train components.
Connecting to Tractor
Park the mower and tractor on a level dry area free of debris and foreign objects.
1. Slowly back the tractor up to the machine.
2. Adjust the three-point arms to align with the mower lift pins.
3. Stop the tractor, set the parking brake and remove the ignition key before dismounting.
4. Slide the three-point arms on the lift pins and lock in place with the clips supplied.
5. With the tractor engine shut off, attach the PTO shaft. Both ends of the PTO have a standard
6-spline end with a spring-loaded locking collar. Turn the round collar at the ends of the PTO
clockwise to slide onto the splined shafts. The spring-loaded pin in the PTO yoke must lock
into the groove on the splined shaft on the gearbox and tractor. Always check to see that both
ends of the PTO shaft are securely attached every time the mower is used. This should always
be done with the tractor engine shut off. Attach the safety chains supplied with the PTO shaft,
allowing sufficient slack for the driveline during turns and operation. Check booklet attached
to the PTO for instructions.
NOTE: At lease one third of the telescoping length of the PTO should overlap when the mower
is in operation.
6. Attach the top link on the tractor to the link pin assembled in the hitch weldment (#45). Adjust
the turnbuckle on the tractor top link so that the upper lift bracket hangs straight down with the
tractor and mower both on level ground
Field Use Preparation
• Read and understand the Operator’s Manual and all safety signs before operating.
• The implement and tractor should be on a dry level area, clear of debris.
• Lower the three point arms on the tractor so they line up with the mounting pins on the
implement.
• Stop the engine and set the brake.
• Mount the lower lift pins first and then adjust the implement angle using the turnbuckle on
the top link. Check that all the clips holding the three point pins are securely in place.
• Start the engine, and raise the implement slightly.
• Adjust the sway blocks or chains on the tractor so the mower is centered between the rear
wheels.
• Adjust the three-point hitch arms to level the implement from side to side.
• Adjust the turnbuckle on the top of the three-point hitch arms to level the implement from
front to back.
• Adjust the cutting height using the wheel spacers on the wheel yokes. The spacers should be
set at the same height on all four wheels.
• Check for proper air pressure in tires.
• Check tightness of belts, bolts, and other hardware.
Operation - Finishing Mower

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• Check blades to see if they are damaged. Sharpen or replace blades if necessary.
• Check that blade bolts are tight.
• Clear the working area of foreign objects and check that all bystanders are standing clear
before starting.
• Start the tractor with the mower resting on the ground on all four wheels.
• Slowly engage the PTO and bring the speed up to 540 PTO rpm for cutting.
Field Operation
1. The mower works best on dry grass. Slower cutting speed and occasional cleaning may be
required on damp or wet grass.
2. The PTO must run at the full 540 PTO rpm for a good cut. Slowerspeedsor
doublecuttingcouldberequiredforveryhighgrass.
3. Use a higher blade setting for rough areas to prevent scalping of the surface.
4. Always cut counter-clockwise so grass clippings are thrown on the grass already cut.
This saves power and wear on the blades.
5. Sharpen blades if grass tears instead of cutting cleanly.
6. Slow down when cutting corners. Turning too sharply on corners can leave a small strip of
grass uncut.
Disconnecting fromTractor
1. Park on a firm level area and clean the mower.
2. Lower the mower until the load is off the hitch arms.
3. Disconnect the hitch arms and the PTO shaft.
4. Cover the mower for storage to prevent rust.
Rear Discharge Mower Chain Kit Assembly
1. With the narrow lip of the chain guard plate (#2) turned up,push an end link of a 3-link chain up
through the slot nearest the end of the guard plate. The chain rod (#3) slides through the chain
link along the top surface of the chain guard plate. Slide through each chain in order along the
entire guard plate. Slide a flat washer on each end of the rod. Hold the assembly in place with
a 1/8" x 1" cotter pin (#8) at both ends of the rod.
2. A 5/8" long spacer (#6) fits between the guard plate and the rear lip on the deck. These spacers
must be centered on the holes in the guard plate and the rear lip on the deck. With the spacers
in place, position the chain guard assembly under the lip on the deck. Clamp on assembly to
hold in place. Bolt guard plate assembly to the deck using 3/8" x 1-1/2" bolts, lock washers and
hex nut.
Operation - Finishing Mower

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Quick Hitch
1. Remove the two sets of lift brackets with the lower lift pins from the mower hitch arms (#4).
2. Bolt the adaptor plates (#13) to the outside of the hitch arms welded to the deck. Turn the
plates as shown in drawing. Use the 3/4" x 2-1/2" bolts and bushings in the 1" holes. The 5/8"
x 2" bolts holding on the a-frame weldment are removed and replaced with 2-1/2" bolts (#3)
which also fit through the adaptor plates. The bushings already in the A-frame must remain in
place.
3. Assemble the two quick hitch arms (#4) on the inside of the adaptor plates using the lift pins
with the swivel bushings from step one at the bottom. The A-frame and the quick hitch arms
are connected at the top using an adaptor weldment (#11). With the welded bushings on the
adaptor facing down, the A-frame is attached using the top link pin (#9). The hitch arms (#4)
are bolted on using a 3/4" x 4-1/2" bolt (#1) which fits through a 2-3/8" spacer (#12).
Theory of Operation
Operation - Finishing Mower

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Operation - Finishing Mower

15
Maintenance - Finishing Mower
Maintenance
Service
1. Gearbox: The gearbox should be filled with SAE 90 oil to the bottom of level plug when
shipped. Check the mower before using and at regular intervals (approx. every 40 hours).
See that this oil level is maintained.
2. Grease: Grease wheel yokes, wheel bushing and PTO u-joints approximately every 8 hours.
Before using the mower for the first time, grease wheel bushings until you can see the grease
squeezed out at the ends of the wheel hub. Lubricate the telescoping PTO tube and the quick
release collars on the ends of the shaft about every 20 hours. Clean all grease fittings before
injecting grease and immediately replace any damaged or missing grease fittings. When using
the safety chains supplied with the PTO shaft, the shield bearings must be kept lubricated.
NOTE: There is no grease nipple on the spindles because they use sealed bearings.
3. Shielding: Always keep all shielding in place and repair or replace if damaged.
4. Blades: When replacing or grinding blades, all three blades must be replaced or reground at
the same time to maintain the proper balance in the cutting unit. Block up the mower securely
before attempting to remove the blades. Use heavy leather gloves to handle the blades. Be
sure to tighten center bolt and lock washer securely when replacing blades. Use a torque
wrench to re-tighten spindle bolts to 180 ft.-lbs. (244 N-m). The bolts have a patch of thread
lock material pre-approved which will hold for up to five usages. Always replace the lock
washer with the extra heavy duty washer supplied with the spindle.

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Maintenance - Finishing Mower
5. Belts: Remove the belt guards to check belt tightness. The center of the belt span should
deflect about 1/2" with nominal pressure. If the belts slip or are too loose, the bolts holding the
gearbox must be loosened. Use the threaded tightener rod on the gearbox mount to tighten
the belts. Lock the rod in place and re-tighten the gearbox bolts when the belts are properly
tightened. Replace belt guards. Changing belts follows the same procedure as given in the
preceding paragraph, except you will have to loosen the belts further to remove them. The
belt installation is shown in the following drawing. NOTE: Belts should always be replaced in
matched sets.
6. Tires:
- Maintain proper air pressure in tires.
- 50 psi (345 kPa) max. for 4’, 5’, & 6’ Finishing Mowers
- 40 psi (276 kPa) max. for 7’ Finishing Mowers

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BoltTorque - Finishing Mower
BoltTorque
Checking Bolt Torque
The tables shown below give correct torque values for various bolts and hex bolts. Tighten all
bolts to the torques specified in chart unless otherwise noted. Check tightness of bolts periodically,
using bolt torque chart as a guide. Replace hardware with the same strength bolt.
Bolt Torque*
Bolt Diameter Grade 2 Bolts Grade 5 Bolts Grade 8 Bolts
(inches) SAE 2 SAE 5 SAE 8
“A” (lb-ft) (N.m) (lb-ft) (N.m) (lb-ft) (N.m)
0.25 (1/4) 6 8 9 12 12 17
0.313 (5/16) 10 13 19 25 27 36
0.375 (3/8) 20 27 33 45 45 63
0.438 (7/16) 30 42 53 72 75 100
0.5 (1/2) 45 61 80 110 115 155
0.563 (9/16) 70 95 115 155 165 220
0.625 (5/8) 95 128 160 215 220 305
.75 (3/4) 165 225 290 390 400 540
0.875 (7/8) 170 230 420 570 650 880
1 225 345 630 850 970 1320
NOTE: See page 15 for correct spindle torque. Do not use this chart for spindle bolt only.
Torque figures indicated above are valid for non-greased or non-oiled threads and heads unless otherwise
specified. Therefore, do not grease or oil bolts or hex bolts unless otherwise specified in this manual. When
using locking elements, increase torque values by 5%.
* Torque value for bolts and hex bolts are identified by their head markings.

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Parts - Finishing Mower
Side Discharge Drawing

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When Ordering Parts
Always give your dealer the Model, Color and Serial Number of your machine to assist him in
ordering and obtaining the correct parts. Use the exploded view and tabular listing of the area of
interest to exactly identify the required part.
Item Part Number Description
1 902663 4' Deck Weldment
902664 5' Deck Weldment
902665 6' Deck Weldment
2 912300158 Gearbox (Without Oil)
3 980004200 Gearbox Base Plate
4 906342 Gearbox Mount Plate (4')
906343 Gearbox Mount Plate (5' & 6')
5 966748 PTO Guard
6 966762 47" Axle Beam Weldment (4')
980008111 51" Axle Beam Weldment (5')
966763 53" Axle Beam Weldment (6')
7 906346 Right Hand Pulley Guard (4')
906353 Right Hand Pulley Guard (5')
906355 Right Hand Pulley Guard (6')
8 906347 Left Hand Pulley Guard (4')
906354 Left Hand Pulley Guard (5')
906356 Left Hand Pulley Guard (6')
9 966749 Discharge Shield (4')
966750 Discharge Shield (5')
966751 Discharge Shield (6')
10 966724 Roller Mount Bracket 10ga x 3-3/4" x 13-7/16" (4' & 5')
966182 Roller Mount Bracket 7ga x 4" x 16-3/16" (6')
11 966723 Lift Bracket
12 904250 B-61 Belt (4')
904251 B-70 Belt (5')
973506 B-78 Belt (6')
13 966722 12" Double Sheave complete with Set Screws
14 966601 Lift Pin Bushing 1-1/4" O.D. x 9/16" long
15 966727 Hitch Bushing 1" O.D. x 9/16" long
16 966823 Lift Pin complete with Nut & Washer (XL) (Cat. 1)
17 965911 7/16" Linch Pin (1493)
18 900929 Pulley Key 1/4" Square x 1-5/8" long
19 81570 5/16" B.S. Flat Washer (pl)
20 86170 3/8" x 1" Hex Bolt (pl)
21 86182 3/8" x 1-1/4" Carriage Bolt (pl)
22 84000 3/8" B.S. Flat Washer (pl)
Parts - Finishing Mower

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Item Part Number Description
23 81593 3/8" Lock Washer (pl)
24 81592 3/8" Hex Nut (pl)
25 84217 3/8" Wing Nut (pl)
26 964001 1" x 7/16" I.D. x 10ga Flat Washer (pl)
27 81628 1/2" x 3 1/4" Hex Bolt (pl)
28 81637 1/2" Lock Washer (pl)
29 81636 1/2" Hex Nut (pl)
30 812769 1-1/2" O.D. x 9/16" I.D. x 10ga Washer (pl)
31 84270 5/8" x 1-3/4" Hex Bolt (pl)
32 81677 5/8" Lock Washer (pl)
33 81676 5/8" Hex Nut (pl)
34 84346 3/4" x 2-1/2" Hex Bolt (pl)
35 812365 3/4" Lock Nut (pl)
36 81700 3/4" Hex Nut (pl)
37 9812377 5/16" x 3/4" Square Head Set Screw (pl)
38 966758 Hitch Weldment
39 812364 1/2" Lock Nut (pl)
40 966810 Arm Spacer 1"OD x 1-13/16"
41 81678 5/8" BS Flat Washer Standard (pl)
42 965807 Top Link Pin (Category 1)
43 84277 1/2" x 1-1/2" Hex Bolt (pl)
44 900931 1/4" Square x 1.11" Key
45 81207 3/16" x 2" Cotter Pin
46 F0398 PTO Shaft (4')
F0399 PTO Shaft (5' & 6')
47 966855 WheelYoke
48 904244 3-3/4" Double Sheave complete with Set Screws (4')
904246 4-1/2" Double Sheave complete with Set Screws (5' & 6')
49 904243 3-3/4" Single Sheave complete with Set Screws (4')
904245 4-1/2" Single Sheave complete with Set Screws (5' & 6')
50 966731 1/2" long x 1-5/16" O.D. Bushing (pl)
51 966730 1" long x 1-5/16" O.D. Bushing (pl)
52 902614 3/4" x 6" Wheel Bolt (pl)
53 900930 1/4" Square x 1-1/2" Key
54 967164 Pound-in Grease Nipple (pl)
55 966729 3/16" Linch Pin (pl)
56 811792 3/8" x 1-1/2" Hex Bolt (pl)
57 966811 Sheave Spacer 1-1/4" O.D. x .70" long
58 966190 5/8" Lock Washer (pl) Extra Heavy (Supplied with Spindle)
59 84299 5/8" x 2" Hex Bolt (pl)
60 81701 3/4" Lock Washer (pl)
Parts - Finishing Mower