Another MX6 Brush Hog Failure

[Sawyer Rob]

Also assuming all manufacturers are using basically the same gear boxes?
Ronnie

I'm not sure i understand what that means??

But, I'd have to say, NO they don't all have the SAME basic gear box...

SR

 

[MF283]

Origin of manufacture is what i meant. Seems to be the longer length is the culprit here regardless of where they were made.

Ronnie

 

[deere5105]

Thought I had a “good one” until this afternoon. Mowed most of the morning. No issues. Mowing around plowed field. Hit a small dirt pile and heard change in sound. Looked back and stump jumper sitting in the mowed grass. Over the years have had MUCH worse encounters, but today was it. Sheared output shaft. Had contemplated selling it couple years ago, but thought I was good. I typically skip the clutch every spring, but admit I had not yet done it this year.

 

[JimR]

I'm not sure i understand what that means??

But, I'd have to say, NO they don't all have the SAME basic gear box...

SR

They absolutely do not all have the same gearboxes. John Deere likes to be different so that you have to use their parts at a premium price.

 

[JimR]

Thought I had a “good one” until this afternoon. Mowed most of the morning. No issues. Mowing around plowed field. Hit a small dirt pile and heard change in sound. Looked back and stump jumper sitting in the mowed grass. Over the years have had MUCH worse encounters, but today was it. Sheared output shaft. Had contemplated selling it couple years ago, but thought I was good. I typically skip the clutch every spring, but admit I had not yet done it this year.

Go on EBay and search for the shaft for your mower. There are companies making these shafts now due to the high demand for them.

 

[JimR]

Origin of manufacture is what i meant. Seems to be the longer length is the culprit here regardless of where they were made.

Ronnie

It is the length and size of the gearbox shaft that is the problem. The "made in Spain" shafts are the ones that are breaking the most. The China shafts are much more beefier. I have seen and heard of both of these gearboxes shearing shafts. I would really like to see John Deere go out with one of there mowers and try to cut the size diameter trees that they claim these mowers are capable of cutting. I think they would be in for a rude awakening. I have sheared gearbox shafts on both the made in Spain and made in China gearboxes. Neither of those breaks was from hitting rocks or stumps or cutting down larger diameter trees than these mowers should be able to handle according to John Deere.

 

[Ken]

The length of shaft possible cause but the 2 that I have seen is where a groove is cut into the shaft to hold a lock ring. look closely at your broken shaft and see where a oval smooth cut deeply into the shaft.
anyone know the part number of where to locate a replacement shaft.
ken

 

[deere5105]

Go on EBay and search for the shaft for your mower. There are companies making these shafts now due to the high demand for them.

Will check that out. Have been pleased with the quality of cut and the unit is in good shape. Would like to get it back going. Thanks for info.

 

[JimR]

Will check that out. Have been pleased with the quality of cut and the unit is in good shape. Would like to get it back going. Thanks for info.

These shafts do break at the clip ring slot because the shaft is thinner there. Makes ure you buy the right one. The Spanish version is not the same as the Chinese version. Take your gearbox apart to see the shaft before ordering one.

 

[deere5105]

These shafts do break at the clip ring slot because the shaft is thinner there. Makes ure you buy the right one. The Spanish version is not the same as the Chinese version. Take your gearbox apart to see the shaft before ordering one.

Thanks for heads up. I looked up the part on JD Parts and see there appears to be two different versions of the Bevel Gear. I believe mine is the Spanish version. If I can replace the broken part and get another 14 years out of it I will be better off repairing.