MMM RC60-72H mower gearbox bearings

[Bluelick]

I did a search and didn't find information on this, so forgive me if this has been covered in other posts. I have an old B7100 with a RC60-72H mid-mount mower (It is an RC60 for sure by the label but the rest of the label is missing, I identified it as the RC60-72H by comparing parts diagrams).

Last time I mowed it seemed to vibrate more than usual and today when I mowed I saw lubricant thrown about the deck. Parked it and saw fluid dripping from the input shaft of the mower. Ran it and watched, and there seemed to be more wobble in the shaft than expected. Turned it off and verified side play in the shaft (maybe 1/8", didn't measure it). My guess is that I need to replace the bearing and seal on the input shaft.

I've done a lot of basic repairs on various machines from lawnmowers to outboard motors, and I have a lot of tools. Is this a reasonable job for the owner or does it need to be done by the dealer? I see Messick's stocks the bearing.

Thanks for any advice and assistance!

 

[Bluelick]

OK, so 64 views and 0 responses!

Pouring over multiple parts lists, I have now settled on the RC60-71H as the deck I have based on identifying individual small parts, although several of these seem to use the same gear box and deck.

I have pulled the deck off of the tractor. I'll hope to get the gear box pulled off this week, then either tear into it or drop the case off at the dealers.

I'd still be glad to hear from anyone who can shed light on this venture.

Thanks!

 

[Bluelick]

By the way, I was able to download parts lists from Messick's, I meniton this for anyone who may come across this thread in the future.

I'll take some pictures as I go along.

 

[Bluelick]

Here is the gearbox:

 

[Bluelick]

OK, starting to feel a bit like I'm talking to myself but I'm going to post this in case it is useful to someone else. I got the gear box off. The shaft stays with the gearbox on the RC60-71H. First, take off the blade and associated washers. Then remove the circlip and the splined boss on the shaft. On mine the circlip was missing and the boss would not pull off. The next step is to remove the four bolts holding the gearbox on. Having done that, I was able to encourage the shaft and gearbox upward (block of wood and large hammer) driving the shaft up through the boss, at which point the gear box was off. It goes now to the dealer to have the bearings and seals replaced. I feel confident I could do that but they said it is just about one hour labor plus parts and I think it would take me a few hours at least and probably multiple trips for parts, tools (I would need large circlip pliers for this job) and supplies. And it will be good to develop a relationship with the local dealer.

I'll let you all know how it goes.

 

[EandS aus]

Thanks for posting the info Bluelick.
We've just acquired a B7100HST with RC60-71H mower deck & don't have a manual for the mower.
Your info most helpfull

 

[Bluelick]

Glad this was helpful! I'm still using the heck out of the B7100. I've noticed it tends to overheat if I'm mowing a lot of real tall grass and weeds in the summer, and it helps if I back of the throttle. Kind of the reverse of what I'd expect but since there is no water pump higher revs don't result in more cooling (although it would turn the fan faster). Keeping crud out of the radiator helps a lot too. Glad to help with any questions I can answer and you'll find a lot of others here with a good bit more experience than I have.

 

[Avidpulp]

Thanks for posting, I am going to try and do the seals on my b6200 with this deck!

 

[Bluelick]

I posted pictures of the deck after I put it back together and painted it at this site:
Kubota mower deck RC60-71B, the gear box oil leaked out - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota
However, after three more years, the deck was falling apart despite the patchwork welding, so I have bought an RC60-71B to replace it. That deck is sitting out by the tractor waiting for me to find time to do the conversion since it has a totally different mounting system.

 

[Avidpulp]

I posted pictures of the deck after I put it back together and painted it at this site:
Kubota mower deck RC60-71B, the gear box oil leaked out - OrangeTractorTalks - Everything Kubota
However, after three more years, the deck was falling apart despite the patchwork welding, so I have bought an RC60-71B to replace it. That deck is sitting out by the tractor waiting for me to find time to do the conversion since it has a totally different mounting system.

Yea that gear box is a real bugger to get outa there, still fighting it, besides the seals the deck itself is in good shape so I hope to get lots of mowing out of it! thanks again