Bushog gearbox question

[AlbertC]

I bought a new bushog rotary mower about 6 years ago. It's probably got about 150 hours on it.

I noticed today that it appears I must have a leak in the gearbox or seal because I see evidence of oil leaking on the pto shield and some of the dried grass that is laying on top of the mower under the gearbox.

Question is this- is it normal that I would see some evidence of oil since the mower is now 6 years old? It has been used lightly, mostly just for cutting my pasture grass. If this isn't normal, what should I do, just monitor the amount of oil in the case to try to determine how much it is leaking or what. Or do I need to see about getting seals replaced.

Thanks

 

[Xfaxman]

Here is one option: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/271324-grease-rotary-cutter-gear-box.html

 

[Todd727]

I would go with the corn head grease and see how it does. You really don't have much to lose anyway. If the grease doesn't work, you are back to having to replace the seals or the gearbox. JD sells what is labeled corn head grease. Otherwise look for the NGLI 0.

This is also a great solution for a PTO driven post hole digger. The stress that the shaft puts on the seals almost guarantees that they won't last very long.

 

[jaxs]

Most Bush Hog brand cutters I know that are 20+ years old have never leaked so I'd say your's is unusual. I would assume it was filled at dealer with wrong oil. I would call customer service with model and serial to ask about recommended oil. Drain, refill,clean off and hope it stop's leaking. The seal on blade shaft can be a bear to change since blades have to come off but pto side is pretty easy. If leak doesn't stop I'd have seal replaced because these things just get worse.

 

[kthompson]

First thing to do is check the gearbox oil level and be sure that is what is happening. It might be grease being used on the universal joints on the pto shaft. Also be sure the vent on the gear box is not stop so the pressure is able to bleed off as it gets hot. At same time if gearbox is overfilled depending on the style of vent yours has it can clogged the vent (oil is much thicker than air) and blow a seal. Know that from experience and on mine it was bottom seal and yes that is a pain. But wire getting wrapped around pto shaft or bottom shaft can cut a seal.

 

[Phillip w]

Well it looks like there are some good ideas here. I go for check the live level and vent first. Most brush hogs will generally use 90 weight or I think the other one is 90-140 or something. It it is the seal, you kind of have to access how bad you leaking. It is like the engime in a pickup or something. If you can add a little here and there, it is some thing you can live with. On the other hand if your trying to "keep up with opec" then time to do something about it. As far as the life of the seal goes, there are various factors that play into it. Is the mower shredded or kept out side? What's your climate. Do you see 100+ temps in the summer? Do you see sub zero temps in the winter? What about the guy assembling it at the plant? did he have a bad day. Did the seal give him trouble? Maybe he had to hammer on it a little or something. Just a few variable to kind of Point at. And yes corn grease will work it it is leaking pretty bad. And corn grease will also work in the gear box on a hay rake. Hope this helps

 

[Xfaxman]

For those who have never seen thixotropic grease in action, here is a link to a video, JD Corn Head Grease: JESCO/John Deere Corn Head Grease - YouTube

 

[Peter 315]

Nice video:thumbsup:

 

[kthompson]

I am not doubting the video but if it works better than oil wonder why the manufacturers do not use it? Or do some?

 

[Notforhire]

I recently replaced the drive seal on a 5ft Bush hog that was about 5 yrs. old. It took me less than an hour.
It seemed easier than constantly checking the oil level and worrying about burning out the gears.

If you're keeping the equipment, that's what I would recommend.

It won't get better, only worse.