grease in a rotary cutter gear box?

[jrchafin]

Hey folks. I've heard over the years of many people putting grease in their cutter gearboxes instead of the oil that is usually spec'd by the manufacturers. I assume the reason is that grease doesn't leak out as easily and resists water better. I wanted to get some input from people who have done this. Does it work, last for years, etc,to use grease? Do people find it superior to using oil? Why? What type of grease and how much do you put in? Thanks in advance.

 

[mikehaugen]

If it will hold oil, then use oil. An oil bath is much better for lubricating a gearbox. If it leaks and you don't keep up with it, then maybe you would be better off with grease. I bought my brush hog used and it was filled with grease, so put oil in. The next day there was a huge puddle under it and no oil... guess I know why he put the grease in. I replaced the seals for probably about $15 and maybe 2 hours of work and filled it with oil. It hasn't leaked since.

 

[Xfaxman]

Hey folks. I've heard over the years of many people putting grease in their cutter gearboxes instead of the oil that is usually spec'd by the manufacturers. I assume the reason is that grease doesn't leak out as easily and resists water better. I wanted to get some input from people who have done this. Does it work, last for years, etc,to use grease? Do people find it superior to using oil? Why? What type of grease and how much do you put in? Thanks in advance.

Do a search for corn head grease, or NLGI grade 0 (zero).

I had a leaking axle seal on my old Terex Dumper, drained the gear lube and used three gallons of grade 00, so far so good, no leak and runs quieter.

 

[hosspuller]

Grease is only oil with a thickener. Oil does a better job of keeping the metals separate (lubrication) & heat dissipation.

 

[WilliamBos]

Do a search for corn head grease, or NLGI grade 0 (zero).

I had a leaking axle seal on my old Terex Dumper, drained the gear lube and used three gallons of grade 00, so far so good, no leak and runs quieter.
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That is what is in the gearbox of our MF RFM. I have a litre on the shelf, never have needed to add it in 3 years.

 

[greg_g]

Grease is a poor substitute for good seals and an operational vent plug

//greg//

 

[Opti-Mist]

Grease has been an effective field fix for leaking lower seals for about as long as rotary cutters have existed. I first heard it recommended by a manufacturers rep about 50 years ago.

 

[Soundguy]

Grease has been an effective field fix for leaking lower seals for about as long as rotary cutters have existed. I first heard it recommended by a manufacturers rep about 50 years ago.

i agree. it's not a perfect fix.. but it's a GOOD fix.

I have a couple old mowers from the 70's one has a NLA seal.. I'd have to have the gearbox machined to fit a new lower seal... the mower was free..

i put 2 tubes of chassis grease in it and 1 tube of cornhead grease. it don't leak and stays full..

Also.. I'd like to point out that SOME mower and other equipment actually specifies that a particular grease can be used. IE.. a ep-0 or 00 grease.

My howse HD120 10' mower manual states as such.. 85-140 or a flaowable grease.. 00 ep grade ( with some manuf spec number next to it.. etc.. ).

On that one.. I ran a mix of grease and oil .. more oil than grease...

 

[WilliamBos]

Our MF RF500 (Alamo built ) left the factory with 00 grease in the gearbox in the fall of 2009. Guessing the heavier duty mower have that over gear oil?

i agree. it's not a perfect fix.. but it's a GOOD fix.

I have a couple old mowers from the 70's one has a NLA seal.. I'd have to have the gearbox machined to fit a new lower seal... the mower was free..

i put 2 tubes of chassis grease in it and 1 tube of cornhead grease. it don't leak and stays full..

Also.. I'd like to point out that SOME mower and other equipment actually specifies that a particular grease can be used. IE.. a ep-0 or 00 grease.

My howse HD120 10' mower manual states as such.. 85-140 or a flaowable grease.. 00 ep grade ( with some manuf spec number next to it.. etc.. ).

On that one.. I ran a mix of grease and oil .. more oil than grease...

 

[Xfaxman]

Grease is a poor substitute for good seals and an operational vent plug

//greg//

Not if you use grade 0, 00, or 000. They are thixotropic. Might lube better on worn gears.