5055e bell housing bolt

fieldman12 · Jul 24, 2014

I noticed in the center of the bell housing there is a bolt that more looks like a drain plug. Also there is not paint on the casting around it. This appears to have been done on purpose by Deere. My manual does not mention it anywhere. I know most 2wd tractors have the cotter key there. I saw some wheres on a Kubota forum they use a plug on one model to drain water etc, from. Anyone know what this is for?

schiker · Jul 24, 2014

I believe it is a drain bolt. It is on my 2008 5603. Depends on who you ask. I say take it out. The dealer that just replaced my PTO clutch said they leave them out. JD Corp does not say to take it out. I have heard different stories like its to keep water from going up in the bellhousing crossing creeks or rice paddies a feature more needed in other parts of the world.

It can build condensation or collect water from somewhere and rusts the PTO clutch mechanism. I drained about 15 oz of rusty crap water out of mine when I took it out. My PTO started whining and had sticky engagement lever.

beenthere · Jul 24, 2014

Can you post a pic of the "bolt" you mention?

Tx Jim · Jul 25, 2014

Is it pipe plug(parts key 1)?

Zebrafive · Jul 25, 2014

My 2030 has the cotter pin. My dealer told me the cotter pin was to keep the hole open. If removed, mud dobbers could fill the hole with mud and close it off.