john deere model L wheels wont turn going forward

[mkelly]

I have this old spreader my father rebuilt for me years ago, has to many sacramental values to put out to the front yard for flower pot. I put it away last fall and when I got it out to use this spring the tires are locked up going forward. Im no mechanic but know enough to check the obvious, pulled both drive parts of both wheels to make sure the beaters and drive are not the problem.. still locked up pulling forward. Can anyone help, are here wheel bearings ? it looks like just a solid 2 inch shaft between tire ??? please any help is welcome

 

[Redlands Okie]

Not sure that i can help but are you saying they will turn in reverse but not forward ?
Any model number or pictures would be of help

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Your post is confusing... are you asking about a 'spreader' that is a pull behind implement for your Model 'L' JD, a 'spreader' that is an attachment to the Model 'L' or something to do with the Model 'L' tractor itself?

Pictures of the tractor (nice to see) and where you think the problem area is will be a help.

Info on the 'L' : TractorData.com John Deere L tractor information

Enjoy the site.

 

[Bird]

As Wagtail said, I don't really understand the question or problem. But a 1940 John Deere L was the first tractor I ever used. My Dad bought it in 1950 or '51. They were a 2 cylinder gasoline, hand cranked engine with a 3 speed forward and 1 reverse transmission; same as many cars had.

 

[CobyRupert]

So you verified it's not trying to turn the beaters and/or apron chain?

 

[kevin37b]

Model L manure spreader . Double check the ratchet mechanism that drives tha apron chain .

 

[mkelly]

Sorry I wasn't clear, the model of manure spreader i am told is a model "L"..i can hook to it and it will let me go backwards but when i pull it forward the pawls in the hub of tire engadge, and the tires just wont turn. I have unhooked beaters and chain on bottom feed and still does the same thing tires are froze up

 

[mkelly]

I did unhook the two arms that push that ratchet from the tire , so its not pushing that gear at all and same thing . locks tires going forward

 

[KYErik]

Does it have a gearbox that you can put in "neutral". I wonder if you have a tooth or something broken in the gearbox that is binding it up. Can you use a pipe wrench to turn the shaft that comes out of the gearbox backwards?

 

[Working on Rust]

As far as I know there are no bearings. There are cast Iron bushings that the axle runs through. It sounds like your problem is the axle is rusted or stuck to the bushings and will not turn. The wheels turn on the axle when you go in reverse but the ratchets grab and turn the axle to run the beaters and floor chain when you go forwards. The axle goes through cast iron bushing blocks on the underside of the frame and then there is a sheet metal U shaped shield that goes under the floor between the bushing blocks around the axle shaft.
As far a how to get it unstuck, I would start checking for grease fittings on the cast bushing blocks, some never had them, and others have them or a grease cup, and grease it well. If you take off the beater drive chain and disconnect the apron drive and the axle is indeed stuck, then you could try driving it around forwards a bit more to see if that frees it up, if it does not then I guess it might be time to heat up the bushings and drive it some more. It is quite possible that putting a bit of a load in it would help it free up as then there would be more torque on the axle when you drive forward.
One more thing is are the wheels on yours the drop center spoked or the split ring?