The largest mowers in the Gravely commercial line-up are getting a new and improved mower blade spindle. Cast in the same dependable cold-forged aluminum Gravely has used for several years, the new spindle features elements designed to help prevent moisture and erosion nets from wreaking havoc on a professional’s productivity.

“Our attention to single components is an expression of our commitment to commercial operators,” says Gravely Brand Director Patrick McQuillan. “Providing high-quality machines that feature durable components is how we help them run their businesses and minimize downtime. A spindle performing in challenging conditions is something landscapers should be able to count on.”

Building that confidence into the next-generation commercial spindle starts with reusing winning features of the former design, mainly the dependability of Gravely’s cold-forged aluminum casting.

“Compared to cast-iron designs, Gravely’s cold-forged aluminum spindle operates at cooler temperatures and is more resilient to failures from heat—ultimately, this means less expense and downtime when those failures occur,” says Gravely Channel Marketing Manager Angie Ansorge. “This is a clear and proven advantage for us, so we didn’t change that construction.”

To bolster existing durability, the single-row roller bearings are swapped with double roller bearings. The added bearing thickness distributes load across two sets of bearings and across a larger area to reduce chances for seizing and failures. If that’s not enough, the spindle is also serviceable.

Materials aside, efforts to enhance the design’s reliability are made through modifications to debris and moisture entry points. At the top, a labyrinth seal directs moisture away from the shaft to reduce potential for water penetration, corrosion, and eventual failure. A shouldered, or stepped seal at the bottom helps prevent ingestion of debris like erosion nets.

Gravely’s new commercial spindle will enter production on all Pro-Turn 300, Pro-Turn 500, Pro-Turn 600, and Pro-Stance Ultra models in fall 2024 and independently owned and operated Gravely dealerships in the U.S. and Canada in 2025. 

In addition to commercial spindle updates, homeowners will also receive spindles with a new dual-roller bearing that’s thicker with an improved seal on their Gravely ZT, ZT X, ZT XL, and ZT HD zero-turn mowers in 2025.