GEARBOX SEAL LEAK

[Travis_R]

I have a 5' King Kutter rotary cutter. I had it lifted high in the air with my boom pole today (to inspect for some welding repairs that has to be done)and noticed oil underneath the cutter on the castleated nut that holds the stump jumper on. I know its the seal leaking on the outputshaft. Thats not my question. The problem is, is how hard will it be to change that seal. I know the stump jumper has to come off, but does the complete gearbox have to be removed from the cutter also?? IS IT A VERY DIFFICULT JOB?

I have to say that I have NOT been easy on this cutter. Its been good. The 3 complaints I have about it is the tail wheel hub has no bearings in it- its a 'cheap' cast friction hub that doesn't last too long (and thats with greasing it more than regular). The 'frame' that the tractors lift arms hook up to is too flemsy. It bends/bows easily. Lastly, the cutter sits lower in the back than it does in the front and that requires more horse power of the tractor (but of course if you are pulling it with a Massey Ferguson, you'll realize quick that thats not a problem!).
Seriously, its been a descent cutter and I would probably buy another. But it does (like any piece of equipment) has its problems.

Thanks,
Travis R

 

[dixiedrifter]

Removing and replacing stump jumpers can be a pain in the butt... they like to freeze onto the drive shaft and require a good beating and/or beating with a gear puller.

Best way to remove a stump jumper is to stand the hog up on its 3ph end, put a gear puller on the shaft and stump jumper, tighten it up with an impact wrench and then hit the end of the gear puller with a heavy hammer... that usually knocks the stump jumper loose pretty quick.

Then you can get to the gearbox, remove it from the deck, open it up, take out the bearing and go from there... I'm not sure but you might just be able to put in a new seal.

Anyways, the best option is probably to just go ahead and pack the gearbox with a 50/50 mix of grease and 80-120W gear oil and say screw it.

 

[madpogue]

Their web site King Kutter Incorporated has PDF owner's manuals and parts books, which show "explosions" of their products. They're def'ly _not_ service manuals, but you _might_ be able to infer from the exploded diagrams just what you have to R&I.

Re. the grease/oil idea, Farm Oyl makes a product for just this purpose. It's called "Fluid Gear Grease". Comes in a bottle with a "mustard top" much like 80w90, and it's def'ly more liquid than "cartridge" grease. A guy down the road who buys and maintains a LOT of old implements swears by the stuff, esp. for cheapo gearboxes like the KK. I've run ours about 20 hours on it, and so far it's quiet and smooth.

 

[Travis_R]

Are you talking about the "OO" Grease that I put in my Snapper rear engine rider lawn mower's transmission? If you are familiar with what i'm talking about, will that work?

Thanks,
Travis R

 

[Travis_R]

Flipped the cutter over on its side and got the stump jumper off. CARPET WAS TANGLED AROUND THE SEAL AND ACTUALLY MADE IT INSIDE THE SEAL WHICH STARTED THE LEAKING PROCESS-happens every time. IT WAS NOT AT ALL KING KUTTER'S FAULT ( I thought it was at first).The stump jumper was easy to remove, but it has been off before and that helped a lot. Four bolts held the "seal holder" on the gearbox. Took em' out and pried a little with a flat head screw driver. Popped right off. Now I just gotta get a new seal and (2) gaskets.
Working for the LA D.O.T.D. cutting grass on the highways, I see this a lot. The mechanic has to come out and change seals kinda regular.

I guess i'll order everything from King Kutter online, unless there is an alternative source??

Travis R