a cutter hub pin drive mechanism and a quick disconnect hub for a pelletizer and a pelletizer having a cutter hub pin drive mechanism are provided . the pelletizer has a cutter hub that includes a cutter hub holder which is engaged with the pelletizer shaft through a plurality of drive pins . the drive pins ride in drive pin channels formed by grooves cut into an inner surface of the cutter hub holder and aligned grooves formed in the outer surface of the forward end of the pelletizer shaft . by machining of grooves into the cutter hub holder and shaft to form channels that receive the drive pins , more precise engagement between the pelletizer shaft , cutter hub holder and drive pins is obtained , resulting in improved torque transmission from the shaft to the cutter hub . also provided is a seal around the pelletizer shaft to prevent the egress of fines into the drive pin area which might otherwise interfere with the unobstructed movement of the cutter hub holder necessary to adjust blade position . finally , a quick disconnect hub is provided by which the pelletizer shaft can be readily disconnected from the cutting assembly to facilitate the removal of agglomerated polymer in the cutting chamber .