Cracked Front Gear Case on a BX22 Part #k2561-15412

RDAD · Jul 29, 2013

Had the front gear case on the left side of my BX22 crack yesterday when turning into a rather solid bank. Heard it pop, looked down and saw a large crack around the top of the gear housing. Got a friend that says he can weld anything, can this be welded? What kind of metal is this made out of? Is there any tractor junk yards out there that might have one of these? any help would be appreciated... thanks.

WilliamBos · Jul 29, 2013

Could you grab a pic or 2 please?

RDAD · Jul 30, 2013

So here are a couple pics. I found that it had been JB welded previously. Feel a little better about it now, at least I didn't break it. It appears to me that there is not much stress on the case, it just contains all the drive parts. If I can get it welded back together I should be able to run. I have a friend that welds for a living and he says he can fix it. What do you think? thanks

kencunningham · Jul 30, 2013

Well it looks like you dont have much to loose by letting him try.

timster2 · Jul 30, 2013

I would give welding a try but be prepared to replace it. As long as you are doing the labor to remove and replace the parts you have nothing to loose but your time. If your were paying for the labor I would consider a new one if the price is not too high. This is the second time around for it breaking, you have to consider that in your decision.

Crazykansasan · Sep 4, 2013

Little late to the game. Have early (2002) BX22, I replaced seals (6A320-56220) in both steering assemblies. Last one was on left side. After it was replaced I did a little mowing and parked the tractor in shop, next day it was leaking. Leak appeared to becoming from above seal. I removed tire and cleaned everthing with brake cleaner. Did not see any oil, let set overnight next morning found oil on back side of gear case. I cleaned again then tapped with small hammer, found small crack above seal area. Had to use inspection mirror and flashlight to see. I assume leak is more severe when weight of tractor is on it. Long story short I ordered new gear case and seal, I do not want to do it twice. New case and seal were about $230. I would not try to weld or braze it ,I am a retired pipefitter.

cdaigle430 · Sep 4, 2013

I wouldnt cut corners here, looks like its been repaired once or had some casting defect. My motto is if the tractor costs 19k or more new then why go cheap on fixing a part like this? Next time it breaks it might take more parts with it and it can cost you a heck of a lot more.