A free finish mower

[mudcat47537]

I was given this finish mower today, that had been sitting in the weeds since last year. Don't know if its worth fixing or not. But the bottom seal in the gear box looks like it has been leaking a little. But all the spindles seem to be free and smooth while spinning them by hand. Needs a couple idler pulleys, a new belt and 1 tire. May need a tractor half of the PTO shaft too, if he doesn't come up with it. Blades look pretty new too. It's a King Kutter brand sold at TSC I guess side discharge.
Anyone know anything about these? Worth fixing up or scrap it?

 

[MIKE R]

I would fix it. Parts are still cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[Burtonbr]

I just finished rebuilding spindles, wheels and replacing a few idler pulleys one one that is a little older than that one. All the parts are available from KK but can be sourced a lot cheaper locally or from various online stores. KK bearing and seal kit for 1 spindle is $55 I was able to get 2 bearings and seals for about $15. I've seen the gearbox seals for $15-20 and doesn't look too difficult to repair the gearbox, parts list and diag. Is available on the KK website. Wheel bushings only $3.50 ea.

So I'd say definitely worth rebuilding I did mine just to see if I could get it to a working mower for under $100 just as a project I don't have a need for a deck that big so I'll probably sell it.

 

[creekbend]

If you have the time, I will say go ahead and fix it.

 

[avc8130]

Looks like crap. If you are near NJ I'll give you scrap value for it

I would fix it. I could use a 6' finish mower. No matter what you spend on parts, it will be less than $1700 a new one costs.

CountyLine® 6 ft. Rear Discharge Finish Mower with a 40 HP Gearbox - Tractor Supply Online Store

ac

 

[mudcat47537]

Well I will start looking for parts today. Is the consensus that solid tires are better than pneumatic? Any drawback other than price?

 

[avc8130]

Well I will start looking for parts today. Is the consensus that solid tires are better than pneumatic? Any drawback other than price?

What's wrong with what is on there? I bet TSC has a tube for those for ~$3 each.

ac

 

[mudcat47537]

What's wrong with what is on there? I bet TSC has a tube for those for ~$3 each.

ac

I have one tire that is pretty dry rotted and needs a tube. It may not need to be replaced yet but I'm sure soon. I know some places sell these small tires with wheel for about the same price as a tire.
I removed the tire, seal, an idler pulley and the belt Monday evening I will hopefully get the chance to pick up some parts today. The previous owner found the driveline too he said it just needs a u-joint.

 

[GManBart]

I have one tire that is pretty dry rotted and needs a tube. It may not need to be replaced yet but I'm sure soon. I know some places sell these small tires with wheel for about the same price as a tire.
I removed the tire, seal, an idler pulley and the belt Monday evening I will hopefully get the chance to pick up some parts today. The previous owner found the driveline too he said it just needs a u-joint.

My finish mower has older tube tires that have some dry rot, and leak a bit like you're describing. I'd fix the one, and when you're ready, do all of them at the same time with new solid tires. I'm sort of planning that as a winter project....touch up the paint, replace the tires with solids, and be ready for next year.

That deck is certainly worth repairing...no doubt. Nice find!

 

[cqaigy2]

Sweet! Just replace the rotted stuff and grease it up, away you go. :thumbsup:

 

[mudcat47537]

Having a hard time finding a seal for the output shaft, 40x54x9.5 double lip. I finally found a Kawasaki # for a 40x54x9 double lip seal. Should be here Friday. For those interested the Kawasaki # is 92049-7024.

 

[mudcat47537]

Got it going last night, works like a charm. May be a little noisy and I have 1 spindle that feels warmer than the others may have to put new bearings it it.
Not too bad so far. I am at $78 into it and mowed 2 acres last night.

 

[BXpanded]

Got it going last night, works like a charm. May be a little noisy and I have 1 spindle that feels warmer than the others may have to put new bearings it it.
Not too bad so far. I am at $78 into it and mowed 2 acres last night.

I wouldn't replace that spindle bearing just yet. Believe it or not, too much grease makes fast rotating bearings heat up. If the grease near completely fills the space around the rollers, the bearing ends up moving the grease around like a pump. Think about how much heat a hydraulic pump generates just from moving oil. Same principle. It's quite common for industrial equipment that turns fast (like a blower) to include instructions on how to add grease without over greasing. One pump of grease, wait 10 minutes and check the temp. One more, 10 more minutes... When the temp starts to rise, STOP.

 

[mudcat47537]

I wouldn't replace that spindle bearing just yet. Believe it or not, too much grease makes fast rotating bearings heat up. If the grease near completely fills the space around the rollers, the bearing ends up moving the grease around like a pump. Think about how much heat a hydraulic pump generates just from moving oil. Same principle. It's quite common for industrial equipment that turns fast (like a blower) to include instructions on how to add grease without over greasing. One pump of grease, wait 10 minutes and check the temp. One more, 10 more minutes... When the temp starts to rise, STOP.

Awesome this makes sense. Thanks!