Woods gearbox gives out again

djradz · Jun 23, 2003

The shims story is legit. The old Woods Dixie Cutter had a similar if not the same setup. However, the problem there was usually from installing too much shim material, then tightening the blade carrier bolt, and causing the bearing retaining sleeve to slide such that there was TOO-MUCH preload. Then when the cutter was used, the gearbox would overheat and fluid would get pumped out. I don't think the seal ended up failing, but you had lot's of fluid all over. Maybe when Woods assembles the things, in order that they don't shim too much, the err on the side of shimming to little, and that leads to the loose bearings and then seal failure.

normde2001 · Jun 23, 2003

Robert, seems to me this problem now belongs to Woods and your dealer. I would let them fix it and just keep it and use it. Why should you have to spend all that money to upgrade when the problem was theirs all along? Now that you have Woods' attention, you should get a fresh warranty on the seal repair and be good to go.

soarkrebel · Jun 23, 2003

( I took the e-mail to my dealer and he got a laugh out of it. He said if it was required maintenance like the e-mail stated no one told him. )

I have a brushbull 60 and used it last year and was mowing early thing spring . i noticed the upper supports bowing as i backed up hills. i had noticed the paint just peeling off of them and at first i thought it was due to flex.
i called my dealer and stumped him. he gave me woods number and i called. the guy at woods was good . he knew the problem right away.
the dealer installed the bolt and sleeve for the quick attach! i removed it and it fixed the problem. i read in the manual and it explains it. i guess i didnt pay attention to it when i read it.
the dealer was shocked when i told him . i went out to his current stock and all had the same set up as mine had. i suggested he remove them and give them to the customer and explain what they are for.

so not all dealers are up on things. alot are in it to just make a buck and move product. plus i think alot avoid sending the mechs to factory schools.
so the boys in the back are flying by the seat of their pants. thats why i like calling manufactors you usually get someone who knows the product!

but anyway i was very pleased with the way woods tech helped.

Robert_in_NY · Jun 23, 2003

But wouldn't the owners manual have a reference to adjusting the shims if it is something important? I would think it would be in there somewhere but the only thing I found that dealt with the shims is for when you have to work on the gearbox, nothing about after so many hours you need to adjust it.

Robert_in_NY · Jun 23, 2003

( Why should you have to spend all that money to upgrade when the problem was theirs all along? )

I don't want to spend the money to upgrade but I also don't think it fair to my dealer that I keep bringing this thing in to be repaired. I have no idea if this shims thing is going to take care of it for sure and I don't want to keep having to bring the chopper in for repairs when I need it. Also, I don't know if Woods will continue to cover it if more problems happen (I hope they don't but I don't like to take the chance)

Like most people I buy new equipment to avoid problems so I assume when I need something it will work for me when I need it. So far the MD has failed miserably to meet my simple expectations for a simple tool. I will get it fixed and see what type of deal my dealer can make with Woods and go from there. Worse comes to worse I will sell it and just buy a new one if the opportunity presents itself.

Robert_in_NY · Jun 23, 2003

My dealers staff has been trained and is a very good crew. You can talk to any one in the shop and they will be able to help you with just about any question. If they do not know the answer for sure they will direct you to someone who does or look it up for you so they learn at the same time. It is a very well run company who pride themselves in customer satisfaction (which is why the constantly repair my equipment after warranty for free)

cowboydoc · Jun 23, 2003

This reminds me of the Ford cavitation diesel fiasco. International had a precharged system that put cavitation prevention charge into the coolant at regular intervals. When Ford got the motor and put it to their specs they took the pre-charge filler off. Then they neglected to mention to dealers or in the manual that you needed to check your SCA level and keep it up. This led to alot of cavitation in motors. To this day if you go to dealers they are are still clueless about it for the most even though it is in the manual now!!! /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Robert_in_NY · Jun 23, 2003

That is why so many new diesel buyers ask about cavitation now. Because of that mess most people are scared of diesel motors that have heard the horror stories but not the reasons why. Sad. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

MikePA · Jun 23, 2003

the dealer installed the bolt and sleeve for the quick attach! i removed it and it fixed the problem. i read in the manual and it explains it. i guess i didnt pay attention to it when i read it. 
Would it be possible for you to take a picture of what was removed and where it was? I have the same cutter and want to be sure my mower was set up right. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

soarkrebel · Jun 24, 2003

Mike i am well ....ignorant when it comes to posting pictures but i maybe can explain it better.

The rotator that you hook your third arm to, does it spin completely around?
if it doesnt then it is hitting a bolt with a shroud. that bolted shroud isnt supposed to be there. it is if you use a quick attach but not if you don't.
On page 12 of your owners manual explains it. i should have read it closer . i guess i thought it didnt apply.
page 42 the parts break down doesnt show it but between ref 8 and 9 it gives part numbers and explains for quick hitch only.

I need to teach myself a few more tricks on here. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif