Woods gearbox gives out again

[JohnMiller3]

Hi Robert,

For the past number of years, locally Woods has had problems with some of their supplied gearboxes… talking with farmers and people at the auctions, it was between bending or shearing the output shafts or chronic bottom seals not holding up (as in your case). Some of the dealers even pushed the heck out of “other” cutter lines versus selling the Woods and having potential problems come back to haunt them.

I was never able to find out exactly what was the cause of the Woods gearbox problems, only to know they (Woods) had to do something quick to recover in their rotary cutter business… then you see a MAJOR overhaul in their BrushBull series… not just a few cosmetic changes to appease someone… but from top to bottom reengineering.

As you’ve already noted… they now have warranties up to 5 years on their gearboxes to win back the trust and confidence they had lost previously due to the problems of the past…

That new BrushBull 8400 is one serious looking rotary cutter… /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif and time will tell its reliability and durability…

 

[normde2001]

John, I am sure curious to know why those seals are not holding up. It seems to me a new seal should work on a good, straight, shaft surface. I know Woods doesn't make gearboxes, and gearbox mfgrs. don't make seals, so somebody down the supply chain must be making bad seals.

 

[JohnMiller3]

<font color="blue">...somebody down the supply chain must be making bad seals... </font>

Hi Norm,

I tend to believe it may not be the seals being used, but perhaps "slop" internally in the gearbox with the output shaft...

(and if it were seals... the "new" ones like Robert and others have had replaced continue to do the same thing after a period of time...)

(A couple farmers, I had spoken with, were so disgusted, after replacing the seals a few times... resorted to packing the gearbox with GREASE.../forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif)

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Thanks for the post John, it is sad to hear others have had problems like mine but good to know I am not the only one. I am getting rid of this chopper and hopefully my dealer can convince Woods to help out on the cost of a trade but as long as I get rid of it I will be happy /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[djradz]

Is there something unique about these output shafts and their corresponding bearings and seals? I've not worked on the MD series, but the older Woods design is pretty simple. If you set the outer bearing properly set (including Loctite shaft sealer/fixer on the bearing sleave), there is no slop and none can develop unless the bearings or race wear significantly. If the bearing is set too tight, overheating can occur, thin the fluid and pressurize the casing, and then fluid will leak out. Otherwise, I'm at a loss how these could be failing. Any other thoughts? The bottom line is this type of gearbox setup is pretty standard for all kinds of applications, not just field equipment and used without problems. What could Woods have done wrong?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

I would contact Woods myself...they seem very approachable,I have e-mailed them before and talked directly with them.
Nice people

 

[dass]

One thing that should be added here,make sure the vent (cap screw) is open and working. I have an M-40 and the washer at the end of the shaft (locks the bolt that holds the blade)was welded on. Maybe they loosen easily. Everything is tight and working well.....so far. CHECK THAT VENT ! Dass

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Well, my dealer is offering me $1500 trade in on my MD 172 to help me out. I paid $1700 for it when I bought it a couple years ago. Now I need to decide if I want the Brush Bull 720 or 840. I will be looking at $1000 for the 720 or $2200 for the 840 with dual tail wheels with my trade. The new BB's are definitely a lot heavier and better built then the MD's they replaced. Thanks for everyones responses. Take care.

 

[kensfarm]

Robert.. I just purchased the BB600 3 weeks ago.. I had a problem w/ the PTO shaft(warped).. they finally delivered a new PTO this Sat. in the pouring rain.. I wasn't happy to have to wait 3 weeks for a PTO.. luckily it's been raining.. so I haven't been able to do much except work inside. This Sunday I finally got the chance to take this cutter out.. the grass was 5 & 6 ft tall.. grass was wet.. ground is muddy, standing water in some places. The cutter worked great.. even slopping through muddy spots.. I'm just working the field borders for now.. too muddy to get off the main paths. The sun is finally out today(Mon.).. once I'm off work I'll be jumping on the tractor when I get home.. at least it'll be somewhat dryer. After looking at Rhino.. Bushhog.. & Woods.. I'm glad I went w/ the BrushBull. I paid $1295 for the BB600 new.. another $95 for delivery.. don't let the dealer up the price w/ his generous trade-in offer.. I jumped at the $1295 deal.. thought it was a mistake.. maybe that's why they gave me the Woods finish mower manuel.. I got the correct manuel Saturday w/ the PTO shaft. Good Luck..

 

[djradz]

So the dealer is saying the 720 is worth $2,500 and the 840 $2,700? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif Those prices seem extremely high. Maybe others on the forum can give you some recent quotes from other dealers.