Chipper Front bearing on TPH-122

[RalphVa]

I was doing a routine chipper blade changeout to get the blade sharpened with general checkover. Removed the belt cover to check things there and found one of the 4 bolts holding it in place gone. Found a replacement bolt. No problem. One of the screws holding the flapper in front of the chipper chute had disappeared. Found a replacement for it. Put Goop on these 3 screws to hold them in place in the future. Then I found the front bearing all sloppy and wobbly. It's gone. This is the only bearing among the 4 that does not have a zerk fitting.

Wondering if any others have had to replace this bearing yet for tips. I have the parts list and can see how the pulley and bearing fit. The pulley has a bolt holding it in place in addition to being on a key. It may come off easily, or at worst with a gear puller. I'm wondering how well the bearing inner part will be to remove from the shaft.

Everything is easy to work on this machine compared to a previous TroyBilt. Have done numerous blade replacements (have a spare blade) and have done one hammer rotation. Piece of cake, these jobs, compared to the old TroyBilt.

Have sent an e-mail to the "contact us" e-mail on the Mac site.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Had to rent a gear puller to remove the pulley that's just outside the bearing. Popped right off with the puller. JD hasn't let me know regarding when they'll have a new bearing assembly.

The bearing assembly was supposed to have the inner race secured via an allen screw or small bolt; it appears. The screw/bolt was gone, and the race had rotated on the shaft. There is NOTHING left of the bearing but the inner and outer races. Surprisingly, the belt had not been slipping. I had noticed a little bit of vibration, but it was less than what it was when I tried running the machine without the chipper blade (just using the hammers to grind leaves; didn't run it long that way). Apparently the bearing at the chipper end is pretty robust.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

JD got had the new bearing assembly yesterday. Picked it up and put it on.

There are 2 allen screws to hold the inner race to the shaft. I recommend removal of the shield over the belt assembly and checking of this bearing, particularly the tightness of the allen screws (1/8") when the chipper blade is serviced.

Too slippery to take the tractor out with the Mac now. Have to wait until the ground refreezes. May put the carryall on to go gather up the cut branches first, again, after the refreeze. I don't cotton to sliding down the hill out of control.

Ralph

 

[Ductape]

I've got the older version of this..... I'd guess mine is from the late 70's judging by the manual. All my bearings have grease fittings. Any chance you might find a greasable direct replacement from someone like Grainger (or other industrial supplier)? Perhaps you'll never have an issue again, but some food for thought.

 

[RalphVa]

Didn't even think about finding an alternative. If someone knows who makes one, let me know; this is the only one among the 4 bearings that does not have a zerk, think mainly because it's behind the shield over the belt. What I have will probably last me another 5 years. I intend to check on it every so often now and not let it get to the point where all the rollers are gone. The very slight vibration should have clued me in.

Ralph