Finally Got the Batwing Fixed!!

[SLHawkins]

Back in April, I had about 75 yards left of a 20+ acre field to finish cutting when I noticed that I wasn't getting a full 20 foot cut. I then noticed that the shaft on the left wing had separated from the main gear housing. My first thought (hope) was that is was just a shear pin. Nope, the spline shaft had completely sheared off. I have no idea what originally caused this shaft to twist. But, it has been twisted since I got it from my uncle (really, it was...lol). Putting two and two together, now I have a better understanding of why the PTO on his IH1566 was broke. Whatever someone hit to cause that splined shaft to twist is what broke the PTO. I have been saying to myself that it is only a matter of time before it completely sheared though. Luckily, it did not do any damage to my tractor when it finally failed. I thought that I'd be able to take this opportunity to switch it over to 540 rpm from 1000 rpm. But, those gears are expensive and it involves a whole lot more than I can afford or feel like dealing with. Even at 540 rpm, I get a pretty good cut (I do need to sharpen the blades though). In any event, thanks to the folks at Messicks, I was able to get the part I needed and now I am ready to get back to cutting. Of course, the grass, weeds, and shrubs have regrown, so I will have to do the whole 20 plus acres again. But, with this batwing, it is only a 3 hour job It was a whole lot easier to fix than I expected. I used the press at the craft shop here on post to remove and re-install the two ring bearings. Luckily, these were not damaged. And, the plate is self sealing, so there were no o-rings or gaskets to replace. Oh, if only all repairs were this easy...:cool2:

Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

i'd be servicing the torque limiter, as evidently it ain't working.

 

[SLHawkins]

Soundguy,
When I get back down there on Saturday afternoon that'll be task one!

Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

otherwise you will be doing this again!

ps.. if you are running half rpm,, she's gonna cut worse/ harder.. so sharpening will be a must..

 

[SLHawkins]

Soundguy,
Thanks for the tips. Fortunately, the two fields that I use it on are debris and bush-free. But, the lack of effective preventive maintenance checks and service is beginning to show.

Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

will the boxes hold oil? if not go to a 0 ep grease...

 

[SLHawkins]

The main box in the center and the right wing gearbox will. The left gearbox leaks like a seive (I have pictures from that repair too-not pretty) I am going to fill that box with grease before I put the batwing back in service.

Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

i'd go with 0ep not 00 then if it leaks that bad.

sounds like that mower needs to be retired. seen better days....

 

[SLHawkins]

I'll admit, it is indeed old and has a few rattles, but for the few times a year I use it and small amount of acreage, it's got plenty of life left. The deck is solid with no holes or rust. All it needs is a good once over, a few parts replaced, and some TLC. And, again, for the few times I need to use it and the few acres that I cut, I can't justify buying another new or used. I have yet to come across one this size that is in as good a shape as this one and is within my budget. It has definitely seen better days, but I'm gonna hold on to it for a little bit longer.

Hawk

 

[Soundguy]

my point was, that it soulds like you've invested in it a few times recently.. based upon it's condition.. I hope the investments were cheap.

batwings in the 15' rnge around here go in the 1500-2500$ rnage for ones that are well used but work.

just sayin.

i own and use some tractors that other people would likely call junk..

 

[SLHawkins]

I am tracking soundguy. Your point was well taken. I have considered replacing it several times. However, even with these two major repairs(One of which was my fault for not checking the oil level), I have still put in less than $1000. Nothing has broke that I haven't been able to fix and I have not had to use baling twine or bubble gum yet

 

[Soundguy]

bailing twine comes in DARN handy sometimes!

best of luck to you! my post wasn't meant as a discouragement.

as I said. I have plenty of items that are 'junk quality' that still get used weekly by me.

I'm currently nursing a unit with steering so sloppy I can't mow fence lines with it.. but in an open field it's pretty safe!