Frontier Mower Oozes Gear Oil

jcmseven · Apr 11, 2005

Fellow Posters,

I own a new 60" Frontier SD RFM. I have used the mower now twice. The gearbox has leaked a small amount of gear oil both times I have used it. The plugs look OK and the mower works fine. I am estimating it leaked about two tablespoons full of gear oil on top of the gear box and down the side. As usual, it LOOKS a lot worse than it is. I wanted some thoughts about whether I should make the lengthy trek to the dealer or just ride it out. I can detect no compromise in performance and I do not use the mower deck that much. I do, however, have a large six acre mowing task in front of me for next week and I hope I do not have to make a special trip to the dealer. Your thoughts are appreciated.

John M

Nik · Apr 11, 2005

Not sure but this may be that your gearbox was slightly overfilled. When the oil heats up it expands and some excess may be leaking out of a vented top cap. I had a WOODS brushbull rotary cutter that did this and it was new as well. Never had problems with it. Just periodicallycheck the oil level on it as per your manual. I would check the oil level before you use the implement not after the oil is hot.

Soundguy · Apr 12, 2005

I agree with NIK.. it was probably oil out of a vented cap. In some cases.. even a non-overfilled vented cap will ooze a tad bit of oil. only takes a few drops to discolor a decent area, and attract dust.. etc.

As long as the vent doesn't plug.. and your shaft seals aren't bulged or blown.. I think I might watch it.. and check the oil level at every use.. perhaps even clean the vent cap in paint thinner or diesel every now and then.

Soundguy

em14 · Apr 12, 2005

Make sure that the gear box is not over filled ... You could blow your seals. If the vent is stopped up and the box box is over filled that will just increase the possibility. I would expect some oil to be exhausted through the gearbox vent just doing it's job. It can get very hot in a rotary mower's gearbox. Every so often I would check the vent to be sure it is functioning and it never hurts to clean the vent hole with something like mineral spirits. Of course you need to remove the plug from the gearbox to clean it,
Leo

frank_f15 · Apr 12, 2005

you say it leaked from the top? sounds like it might have been overfilled. can you see how much oil is in it? my mower say to keep gear box no more than 3/4 full when cold.

sweettractors · Apr 13, 2005

This is not uncommon on a new grooming mower. Like they said, Just be sure it is not overfull and keep the vent open. --Ken Sweet

trlong · Apr 13, 2005

John,

Just one afterthough to add as I agree with all, above, responses. I would definitely call the dealer and, nicely, voice my dissatisfaction that they likely overfilled it, or didn't check it properly. I have bought all my J.D. and Frontier equipmnet from the same dealer. The ONLY problem I have had is a defective belt on the 4115, which they replaced by picking up the tractor, taking it in, replacing the belt, and rechecking all pre-delivery. A good dealer, and more important, a good service department, are worth far more in "up time" and lack of aggrevation than a few $'s saved. Hope your dealer does something to keep you satisfied.

Tom

Soundguy · Apr 13, 2005

( I would definitely call the dealer and, nicely, voice my dissatisfaction that they likely overfilled it, or didn't check it properly. )

It's still possible that it wasn't overfilled.

My 10' howse mower has 3 HD gear boxes.. large suckers.. over 8" square. The have a vented plug on top, and a level check plug that is half way up the side of the box. Even with 0# grease.. or 140w oil, fille dto the half way mark.. I will have oily residue in the vicinity of the vent plug on each gearbox after a few hot hours of mowing. Like Brent said.. those gear boxes get warm.. and oil does sling.

Soundguy

KiotiJohn · Apr 13, 2005

( My 10' howse mower has 3 HD gear boxes.. large suckers.. over 8" square. The have a vented plug on top, and a level check plug that is half way up the side of the box. )
Ditto on mine. Not overfilled, but oozes like a pus pocket in heat! John