Woods Rotary Bush Hog Gear Box

[KS KIOTI]

I had an old Howes bush hog that used that same gear box and it did the same thing yours did, lower bearing said screw it I'm done.

Anyway it was an easy fix with new bearings and seals, nothing unusual about the way they go together. As long as the housing and shaft is not damaged/ruined I would just repair what you have in hand and probably be a lot cheaper to that as well.

thank ya!

 

[Harry in Ky]

Just guessing but there's a good chance the bottom seal was leaking so rather than fix the problem someone pumped it full of grease and kept running it. How many times have I seen that? It's not necessarily the wrong solution, I've done it myself. The thing is it's not too effective if the bearings aren't still tight. The shims under the blade holder are part of the package to maintain the integrity of the bearing adjustment, so don't overlook that part when you get that point.

 

[KS KIOTI]

Good call, betchu are right. It was packed full of cosmoline.

 

[Smokeydog]

I’ve got a single spindle 286 I bought used that needs the same. Bad seal on a little used mower. Previous one lasted 25 years without a leak. Assembly with correct bearing preload the key to long seal life. Haven’t tackled the rebuild job. Would be a major accomplishment given my skill set. Do have a leaky shop press.

 

[RayIN]

The bottom seal on my King Kutter 6'er was leaking badly, so I filled it with 15W40 diesel oil, and ran it lightly for a while, adding oil as needed. The seal stopped leaking(softened up I guess) and the gearbox remained full. Pumped out the oil with a hand suction pump then filled it with chainsaw bar lube. It's remained full for 3 years so far, without making any noises.

 

[rockinbbar]

Good call, betchu are right. It was packed full of cosmoline.

May be that it was filled with corn head 00wt grease.

That's what I use when I can on my gear boxes, (and have quite a few gear boxes).

As a side note, I'm glad you found your gear box, as it's quite expensive to buy a new, high quality cutter... just paid $30k for one, so I know.

Be sure and check the other gear boxes when you can. New lubricant wouldn't hurt.... bearings and seals are cheaper than gear boxes, and if you had one fail on the cutter, I'd sure look at the others.

 

[KS KIOTI]

May be that it was filled with corn head 00wt grease.

That's what I use when I can on my gear boxes, (and have quite a few gear boxes).

As a side note, I'm glad you found your gear box, as it's quite expensive to buy a new, high quality cutter... just paid $30k for one, so I know.

Be sure and check the other gear boxes when you can. New lubricant wouldn't hurt.... bearings and seals are cheaper than gear boxes, and if you had one fail on the cutter, I'd sure look at the others.

Good call RBB! $30k

 

[coast40]

Surplus Center has an assortment of cutter gearboxes $200-400. I know nothing about the boxes. I have ordered other items from them. Omni Gear | Brands | www.surpluscenter.com