301A Pivot shaft installation

Puna · Feb 2, 2021

Hi everybody - this my first post on the forum. I've been using the search function to find answers I've needed working on my first tractor. It's a Deere 301A that was originally a sweeper. It was not originally equipped with a rockshaft, but the previous owner included most of the needed parts and I've been gathering the small stuff still needed to install it.

My question is about the control shaft workings - I don't see an obvious way to install the arm pivot shaft. I can see the boss casting down in the transmission housing, but I see no way of getting the shaft through the pivot holes. It looks like it aligns with one of the bolt holes that hold the axle housings to the trans case but upon removing the bolts, there is no through-hole machined through the case.

Is this where the shaft is inserted?
Thanks!
Puna

Tx Jim · Feb 2, 2021

Welcome to TBN
My guess is one would need to remove rear axle housing to access the L/D arm pivot shaft mounting hole. It also wouldn't surprise me if ring gear didn't have to be removed to install L/D arm

Puna · Feb 2, 2021

Jim, I pulled the PTO shaft to have a better look. I could reach in and feel another boss on the left-hand side (P brake side). I am going to pull that axle assembly to hopefully get access.
Another issue I see is the pivot shaft itself. I had one that came with the tractor; it is a smooth one with no C-clip on it. I can't see what would stop it from wandering into the ring gear. I ordered a replacement T21681 which I thought would have a C-clip notch, but it was smooth also. I can't tell if there is an alternate number for this shaft. I see pictures of the C-clip shaft with this same number on the net though.
I'll keep hunting for another number...

Puna · Feb 3, 2021

Well it's a good that I had to pull that axle - the brake disc is worn to the nub. Plates look ok. I have another disc that came with the tractor.

The access hole for the pivot pin was on that side. The very last hole nearest the ring gear is tapered, and will hold the pin back.
So far so good. I don't see any other got'chas yet...