Anyone put grease in Howse cutter gearbox

[caver]

I read one reference in the archives. I have a Howse 400 rotary cutter.
Howse parts drawing
Oil seal sprung a leak when I hit a large rock. I tried removing the stumpjumper blade assy and get not get it off the splines and had limited tools. I'm temted to add grease instead of oil and take my chances. This brush cutter is not used that much as my neighbors horses do the job for free.

 

[john_bud]

You could do that, but for the price of a 5 dollar seal and a gear puller - why?

The grease will leak out and you won't know it until it makes a sudden loud expensive sound.

Your call.

jb

 

[HappyCPE]

I have an unknown brand of cutter I got when I bought the farm. I'm not mechanically inclined and have zero information on this cutter, and no money invested. I inspected the gearbox and found it dry, so rather than fool with it [and after having the oil I put in pour right out] I dumped two tins of grease in it. It works fine. It will need another tin comes spring, though. I'm sure this isn't the "right" thing to do but considering the investment and its 8-10 hours of use each year I'm not worried about it. Of course, if it was a new MX-6 my thoughts would be different...

 

[caver]

Sort of my thoughts Happy. I bought a cheap brush cutter due to all the rocks on my place. I figured I would tear it up in the first season,,,,and I did.

 

[mbohuntr]

For what it's worth, I bought a used cutter years ago, and upon inspection found the gearbox wouldn't hold oil. I fill with grease at the beginning of each season with no problems.

 

[davey4000]

I've had great luck using corn head grease.

 

[caver]

Thanks Davey,
I had never heard of cornhead grease. Learned something new.

 

[DieselPower]

My suggestion is to actually replace the seal. If you must use grease I would recommend NOT using standard NGLI #2 viscosity grease. It will be way to thick for this type of application. I would suggest a semi-fluid grease like NGLI #00 which is used in many gearbox applications.

 

[Willl]

Curious, if grease was used, how much ?, stuff 'er full ?

 

[davey4000]

I believe corn head grease is NGLI #00. Yes, I stuff the gear box full, but because when the grease is cold you cannot get it in there without leaving air pockets, you'll have to do it again after you run it a while. Buy yourself 3-4 tubes.