Rotary Cutter Blew a Gasket on My Woods Rotary Cutter

[Lumberdink]

First the bad news. The seal on the rear of the gearcase on my rotary cutter failed yesterday. The good news is that it must have blown out just as I finished 2+ hours of use. If it would have blown out when I started, I'd be looking at a new gear case or total rebuild. Anybody familiar with these buggers? I have the manual and the parts list. It looks like there must be an o-ring that failed and to get to it, I have to remove an "internal retaining ring." I wonder if the ring can be removed without damaging it. I guess I should probably just order a new ring and O-ring from a dealer. Any thoughts?

 

[Dave M7040]

The small slot in the casting at the top is to give you access to the internal snap ring to pry it out. A local hydraulics shop can likely match the O ring for much cheaper than the dealer. Look for rusting where the o ring seats. I imagine your cutter sits outside and may get water into the gear box where it will sit at the bottom and start rusting the casting. Changing this oil often is cheap insurance. Too much oil will build up pressure and force the oil out. Water in with the oil will raise the oil level and the water will start to boil long before the oil is in trouble and the boiling water can force out the oil. It looks like there is a plug on the left side of the casting which is likely the one to show you when you have added enough oil.
Look at other similar cutters to see if the main fill plug you have is the correct one. some have small holes on the sides of the plug to allow the gear box to vent.
Dave M7040

 

[Lumberdink]

Thanks! I did pull a little maintenance on it before I ventured out yesterday. I sharpened the blades, greased the U-joints, and changed the gearbox oil. I did have the correct level---I filled it up to the side plug opening you mentioned. I'll see if I can get the retaining ring out without bending it too much and go O-ring shopping. Thanks again.

 

[Lumberdink]

I got the retaining ring, O-ring, and gearbox cover off and the dang gearbox cover is bent. I must've backed into something in the woods. My manual mentions repairing leaks with "Permatex Aviation 3D Form-A-Gasket or equivalent." Is that something I should consider before ordering a new cover (assuming they're still available)?

 

[MESSMAKER]

Might want to switch to Cornhead grease. It will lubricate,but won't leak out when sitting. I got tired of the constant leaks.

 

[bullbreaker]

Might want to switch to Cornhead grease. It will lubricate,but won't leak out when sitting. I got tired of the constant leaks.

To OP not trying to get off topic or jack thread but would like to ask ?
I don't have any leak problems on mine but I'am guessing its OK to mix Cornhead with 80/90 if need be ? Or does it matter or do you drain and clean out and use strickly Cornhead ?

 

[Lumberdink]

I'll try to post another pic. The cover got bonked near the bottom, where the juice ran out. I don't think I need as tight a fit at the top, so I'm thinking about tapping it on my anvil to straighten it out as much as I can and then reinstalling it with the repaired section at 12 o'clock. If it's not a perfect fit, it would be above the level of the gear oil but I'd have to keep it dry.

 

[oldnslo]

I would try straitening that cover. Does this cover receive oil splash from the gears while in operation or is it somewhat protected by a bearing between the gears and the cover? If direct splash you may want to try and determine where this splash hits and orient the cover so the damaged portion is not in this position.

 

[Lumberdink]

That's what I did and so far, so good. Only problem was, this $500 craigslist special didn't come with a guard (flap or chains) on the front and picked up a rock and wailed into my right rear tire and poked a hole in it. I hope it can be repaired. I'll get it to the shop today for a look. My tires are filled too, and that stinky rotten beet juice went everywhere. Sigh...