International Bush Hog Flywheel Removal - HELP!

[markb74]

Hi Guys,

I bought a used 4' International rotary cutter (red, now it's International by Hawkline) a few weeks ago; I have no idea of its age. The bush hog metal, A frame, tail wheel, etc. are all pretty solid. However, the gear box leaks gear oil bigtime, out both the input and output shaft.

I was able to find the parts diagram and simple owner's manual online. I ordered new input and output seals, but I am at my wit's end trying to get the flywheel/blade holder out. I got the castle nut off just fine with the impact wrench, and put PB Blaster where I could. I have a oxygen/acetylene setup and tried heat today. The splined flywheel just will not release off the output shaft. I even welded up a couple push tools (glorified bolts) that essentially expand between the flywheel and the deck. I can't budge this thing!

I know I can fill the gear box full of grease (JD Cornhead grease), but that usually isn't my way. I've wasted a lot of time on this already, and my wife is starting to get ticked off - according to her the $350 bush hog is up to around $500 now as the new seals from DN Equipment was about $40, and along with a fill on the acetylene tank and new acetylene regulator (my fault and stupidity), it's another $110 or so. Sometimes her supposedly reasonable and practical way of thinking really irks me! Someday I'll convince her the cost of a tool should not be attributed to the cost of an implement, tractor, etc. Until then, we'll just agree to disagree.

I know Ken Sweet sells these International rotary cutters - Mr. Sweet, would you have any ideas? Roy, I've read you came up with a C-clamp way of removing yours, not sure I understand what.

Thank you everyone in advance for your suggestions.

Mark

 

[beenthere]

Glad I don't have a wife like that.

Wheel puller might be necessary. A big one at that.
It will be great to get it fixed right. Good on ya.

 

[maybar]

While applying pressure with the pusher bolts, apply heat evenly to the outer perifery only and not anywhere near where the shaft is. If it moves and then stops let it cool back to ambient temperature and repeat. Splined shafts are amoung the worst for siezing.

 

[Damifino]

markb74

I bought a used 6' rotary cutter, it needed blade replacement and I fought to no avail trying to get the stump jumper (flywheel) off.

What worked for me was soaking the spline connection with pb, then rented a large wheel puller, hit it with the impact wrench to around 650 lbs, that's the max mine has.

Then while this tension was on s j, I smacked the s j with a 12 lb sledge, it popped right off.

Be sure and not be the way in the event it slides off all the way, it will hurt real bad if it catches you in the shin or foot, no I didn't do that, I just thought about where I was standing before smacking it.

Now as to O/A refills, this job will not empty those tanks, be sure and tell wife this cost will need to be spread over many projects

Good luck

 

[sweettractors]

Hi Guys,

I bought a used 4' International rotary cutter (red, now it's International by Hawkline) a few weeks ago; I have no idea of its age. The bush hog metal, A frame, tail wheel, etc. are all pretty solid. However, the gear box leaks gear oil bigtime, out both the input and output shaft.

I was able to find the parts diagram and simple owner's manual online. I ordered new input and output seals, but I am at my wit's end trying to get the flywheel/blade holder out. I got the castle nut off just fine with the impact wrench, and put PB Blaster where I could. I have a oxygen/acetylene setup and tried heat today. The splined flywheel just will not release off the output shaft. I even welded up a couple push tools (glorified bolts) that essentially expand between the flywheel and the deck. I can't budge this thing!

I know I can fill the gear box full of grease (JD Cornhead grease), but that usually isn't my way. I've wasted a lot of time on this already, and my wife is starting to get ticked off - according to her the $350 bush hog is up to around $500 now as the new seals from DN Equipment was about $40, and along with a fill on the acetylene tank and new acetylene regulator (my fault and stupidity), it's another $110 or so. Sometimes her supposedly reasonable and practical way of thinking really irks me! Someday I'll convince her the cost of a tool should not be attributed to the cost of an implement, tractor, etc. Until then, we'll just agree to disagree.

I know Ken Sweet sells these International rotary cutters - Mr. Sweet, would you have any ideas? Roy, I've read you came up with a C-clamp way of removing yours, not sure I understand what.

Thank you everyone in advance for your suggestions.

Mark

While applying pressure on the flywheel and if needed a little heat on the hub. Screw the castle not down till slightly above flush with the threads. pop it with a 3 lb shop hammer, being careful not to damage the output shaft threads--Ken Sweet

 

[sweettractors]

Sometimes her supposedly reasonable and practical way of thinking really irks me! Someday I'll convince her the cost of a tool should not be attributed to the cost of an implement, tractor, etc. Until then, we'll just agree to disagree.

Mark

Hey Mark, after being married 45 years and in the machinery business 33, my wife regularly asks me why am I buying another load of machinery. I say, we buy then we resell, that is how we hopefully make a profit I actually have a feeling, that there is a hidden agenda or question in her query, however, I sure can't figure it out. :confused3: Ken Sweet

 

[bullbreaker]

Hey Mark, after being married 45 years and in the machinery business 33, my wife regularly asks me why am I buying another load of machinery. I say, we buy then we resell, that is how we hopefully make a profit :d I actually have a feeling, that there is a hidden agenda or question in her query, however, I sure can't figure it out. :confused3: Ken Sweet

Morning Mr.Ken
We sometimes forget after awhile if we are not careful "The bookkeeper becomes The owner". :laughing: They sure didn't ask them type of questions when we were courting them.
Boone

 

[sweettractors]

Hey Mark, after being married 45 years and in the machinery business 33, my wife regularly asks me why am I buying another load of machinery. I say, we buy then we resell, that is how we hopefully make a profit :d I actually have a feeling, that there is a hidden agenda or question in her query, however, I sure can't figure it out. :confused3: Ken Sweet

Morning Mr.Ken
We sometimes forget after awhile if we are not careful "The bookkeeper becomes The owner". :laughing: They sure didn't ask them type of questions when we were courting them.
Boone

I can't complain much. We married at 15 and 18 and I was suppose to raise her they way I wanted. I think it is all my fault Ken Sweet

 

[bullbreaker]

I can't complain much. We married at 15 and 18 and I was suppose to raise her they way I wanted. I think it is all my fault Ken Sweet

:laughing: :thumbsup: :laughing:
Boone