MTD Mower Blade Bolt Torque Specs

MTD-branded yard machines and the OEM hardware shared across Yard Machines, Bolens, White Outdoor, and Huskee use the universal 5/8" hex blade bolt with 7/16"-20 thread.

What torque should I use on a MTD blade bolt?

MTD blade bolt torque is typically 70–90 ft-lb on a 5/8" socket with 7/16"-20 UNF thread. Threadlocker: Not required. Always confirm the exact figure for your specific model — deck design, blade thickness, and spindle stack-up move the spec by 10–20 ft-lb between models in the same brand line.

MTD Gold 46" Lawn Tractor blade bolt torque

70–80 ft-lb on a 5/8" socket, 7/16"-20 UNF thread. Twin-blade deck. Single bolt per blade with cone washer.

MTD Pro Z 100 (Commercial Zero-Turn) blade bolt torque

85–95 ft-lb on a 15/16" socket, 5/8"-18 UNF thread. Heavier MTD commercial spec. Use threadlocker.

Pro tip for MTD blade service

MTD service bulletin TB-2018-04 warns that the deck pulley center bolt is often confused with the blade bolt — different torque (40 ft-lb pulley, 75+ ft-lb blade). Check before swapping.

Step-by-step MTD blade-bolt reinstall

Disconnect the spark plug, engage parking brake, tip the mower (carb-side up). Block the blade with a 2×4 — never your hand. Use a 1/2" drive breaker bar with a 6-point socket. Clean threads with brake cleaner. Apply Not required. Torque in one smooth pull with a calibrated torque wrench. Re-check after first hour of cutting.

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