Finally got it . . . couldn't find a lump of brass without a long drive but found another way. I took the deck to work and blocked it up on 4 pieces of 50 x 75mm timber for support, carefully lined up the forklift so the tines could rest on the shaft & nut but clear all other fittings, placed 2 layers of sheepskin between then used the hydraulic forward tilt to apply pressure. I only used the last inch of travel so that when it popped the tine wouldn't hit the bearing and do damage. Still didn't pop so I grabbed a sledge and rapped the top of the tine and bingo! Out it popped! There is a fair bit of crud & surface rust on the shaft so it was never going to go easily.

I spent half an hour straightening it in a 30t shop press and got it mostly straight and then saw that the plate had bent relative to the spindle shaft and would never straighten properly and would probably vibrate regardless of what I did or maybe even break at the weld so gave up and bought a new spindle and blade disc. Originally I thought to fix the old one as parts are usually expensive but the shaft & disc were only A$132. With both belts a total all up of A$198 so if I get another 8 years it's a bargain.

The manual talks about a spring puller that should have come with the mower when new but I never received one so made my own from some 3/8" steel rod. It or similar is needed to release the belt spring tensioner.

Now all I have to do is throw new belts on and put it all back together!

I have seen several threads on here with different opinions on Greenfield chain lube (drive & steering) but there doesn't seem to be a favourite, anyone found a way that doesn't attract too much dirt?

[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]

Again . . . thanks to Grumpy & Murray for advice! Much appreciated!!