Mowing NH 930B 72" Rear Mount Finish Mower

[The Haymaker]

Problem is that IT HAS NOT STOPPED RAINING in two months. I have places where I am pounding the mud up through the grass where usually I have to worry about it catching fire by this time of year. Got another inch today.

I believe I was abducted and dropped into a fake world by aliens. Problem is they misplaced me in Washington!

 

[Welshman]

Haymaker - how do you like that rear discharge mower, so far (from what you say about the weather, it probably throws a nice rooster tail!)? I considered getting one of those but wasn't sure how well it would "mulch" in taller grass.

Rayrla - how often do you lube your spindles? Have you ever had to retighten the bearing lock nuts? I've got about 40 hrs. on the mower since I got it back, and just noticed today that the two original spindles (center and left) have some play in them. I'm hoping all it is is routine maintenance.

 

[The Haymaker]

So far, other than the roller skate wheels it comes with, I'm happy. If the grass is dry it does a nice job mulching on a weekly mow. Thing that has impressed me is how well it works in the taller grass, stuff a month in. Here's a pic, but it doesn't show well. I think the broader rear discharge is superior over what the 60CMS did on my TZ25, even where I mowed with the chute removed to fling the clippings in a broader path.

Here's a few pics of the discharge on 3 week growth grass. They don't show well, I don't think they do justice. I'll have a goofin' off vid in a little bit.

Someone care to explain how to get the thumbnails? Sorry for the image size!

E

 

[Welshman]

That does seem to do a nice job.

Has the rain let up?

 

[The Haymaker]

Yes, the floods are finally subsiding. BUT, it's still ridiculously wet in the low areas. Cahnces are I won't be mowing some pieces again this year. I got overanxious (pissy, is more like it) and mowed some stretches that I cottage cheesed pretty badly. I may hit the dealer and ask if they have anyone that would like to swap a set of unloaded tires for my loaded ones. They're nice, yes, but just TOO heavy for my soggy spots. The rear sinks more than the front!

Here's the killing time video I promised.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jFSuemMhxKU

E

 

[Welshman]

Cool video. I kind of laughed to myself - only guys like us would get a charge out of a grass mowing video! Although maybe I'm wrong - maybe we'll see this at Cannes.

How were you operating the camera?

 

[Rayrla]

Haymaker - how do you like that rear discharge mower, so far (from what you say about the weather, it probably throws a nice rooster tail!)? I considered getting one of those but wasn't sure how well it would "mulch" in taller grass.

Rayrla - how often do you lube your spindles? Have you ever had to retighten the bearing lock nuts? I've got about 40 hrs. on the mower since I got it back, and just noticed today that the two original spindles (center and left) have some play in them. I'm hoping all it is is routine maintenance.

I lube wheels and u-joints at most every 8 hours and the spindles every 25 hours. If I remember correctly, those are the recommended intervals in the manual. I have never had to retighten the bearing lock nuts.

 

[Welshman]

Interestingly, the new spindle is a significantly different design (and significantly more expensive), than the original. On Messick's website, they show the old spindle assembly as not in stock, but can be ordered. Partspring, and my dealer, tell me that you can't get the old spindle, it supercedes to the new design. Partspring also tells me that only bearings and seals can be ordered for the old spindle - that you can't get the shaft, pulley or other components seperately; if you need any of them, you have to buy the whole new assembly - $246 each. My dealer says you can. I don't know who's right, and hope I don't have to find out anytime soon.

Well, it's official. As stated by Partspring, you can't get repair parts, other than bearings and seals, for the old spindle.

Yesterday I started to adjust the preload on the two loose spindle bearings. To do so requires the removal of the spindle pulleys. They have a tapered hole, to fit the tapered spindle, and are a TIGHT fit. Using my Snap-On three jaw puller, the first one came off, but in removing the center one, I broke a small chunk out of the cast pulley. I have a friend who is attempting to braze it but I thought I would order a spare ($36.), to be on the safe side. I called my dealer to order it today, and no luck - "no longer available" - must order complete new spindle assembly - $246.

Rayrla - my service manual says "IMPORTANT: Bearing preload adjustment "MUST" be performed on each spindle every 100 hours of mower operation...", but I would suggest you keep doing what you're doing, keeping in mind that you can't really tell when they start to loosen up, with the belt tight. This adjustment is a real pain in the neck. In addition to having to remove the pulley, the lock nut is the type that requires (in my opinion) one of those 4-pin spindle nut sockets (or spanner), to do it properly, and so far I haven't been able to find one in the right size. My dealer doesn't even have one. The new spindle only has the "top" nut, and adjustment can be made fairly easily. You seem to be having a whole lot better luck with your 930B than I have.

I'm now going to mull over whether or not to bite the bullet on the new spindle assembly now or later.

 

[Rayrla]

Well, it's official. As stated by Partspring, you can't get repair parts, other than bearings and seals, for the old spindle.

Yesterday I started to adjust the preload on the two loose spindle bearings. To do so requires the removal of the spindle pulleys. They have a tapered hole, to fit the tapered spindle, and are a TIGHT fit. Using my Snap-On three jaw puller, the first one came off, but in removing the center one, I broke a small chunk out of the cast pulley. I have a friend who is attempting to braze it but I thought I would order a spare ($36.), to be on the safe side. I called my dealer to order it today, and no luck - "no longer available" - must order complete new spindle assembly - $246.

Rayrla - my service manual says "IMPORTANT: Bearing preload adjustment "MUST" be performed on each spindle every 100 hours of mower operation...", but I would suggest you keep doing what you're doing, keeping in mind that you can't really tell when they start to loosen up, with the belt tight. This adjustment is a real pain in the neck. In addition to having to remove the pulley, the lock nut is the type that requires (in my opinion) one of those 4-pin spindle nut sockets (or spanner), to do it properly, and so far I haven't been able to find one in the right size. My dealer doesn't even have one. The new spindle only has the "top" nut, and adjustment can be made fairly easily. You seem to be having a whole lot better luck with your 930B than I have.

I'm now going to mull over whether or not to bite the bullet on the new spindle assembly now or later.

I'm sorry that you continue to have difficulties with your mower. I must admit that I have not followed the mower manual as closely as I have the tractor manual. I will have to check what it says about bearing preload. Probably three winters ago I removed the tension from the belt prior to winter storage and checked the spindles. All had very little play. The last few winters I have grown lazy and just cleaned, greased, covered and elevated the mower in the barn. Thanks for keeping me posted.

 

[The Haymaker]

Cool video. I kind of laughed to myself - only guys like us would get a charge out of a grass mowing video! Although maybe I'm wrong - maybe we'll see this at Cannes.

How were you operating the camera?

Sorry to hijack the thread. Camera is just a handheld digital Fuji that also does video. Had excellent luck with it. There's a ton of stuff on youtbe under "ke1lb", all mine from that setup. Enjoy Newtons Law.