Disassembling RC44/RC40 Mower Deck Gearbox

[haanzel]

I have a G4200 with the RC44 gearbox, which is the same as the RC40 deck. Unfortunately, the gearbox was low/ran out of lube (that is on me) and it seized the bearing at the top with some shrapnel. Plan is to remove the bad bearing, clean it well and ensure all metal pieces are removed and then install a new bearing.

I have seen this, and while helpful, does not go into details on how to disassemble the gearbox. I was able to get the gearbox off the deck and on the bench.

RC44-G mower deck gearbox

Not good. Anyone know how to rebuild a mower deck gear box? Previous owner removed the external clip from the shaft, I see no shims, no o ring and they packed it with grease. The good thing is it still works, the bad thing is it makes too much noise.

www.orangetractortalks.com

Here is the diagram for it from Messicks. https://www.messicks.com/catalogs/k...4-quot-mid-rotary-mower/mower/i00200-gear-box

On the right side, I am working on bearing #170

Also, I tried to remove the pulley but I am not sure how to remove this. It looks like there is a stake where the pulley and shaft meet, but it’s recessed in there and I don’t see how to remove it.

Pic shows the bearing and what is left of the balls. I was able to remove the outer race and balls with some cutting and brute force, but the inner race is on the shaft really good. How can I remove this? It is not high enough to get a bearing puller on. I tried heat and penetrating lube to no avail.

Or does anyone have a WSM/disassembly manual for the deck?

 

[N3BP]

Attached is a page from the service manual. You might have to dissemble the entire thing to get that out.

 

[Spam Bot]

There is a good chance that the inner race welded itself to the shaft due to the heat generated. I have seen this happen with the front wheels on older cars that have a spindle on which the bearings ride. The only way to remove it is to cut it on both sides and then use a hammer and chisel to split it apart. Had to do this last summer at a car show when a friend's front wheel bearing came apart while he was driving.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

On a similar PITA 'project', I've had to take a NEW cold chisel and 2#H and 'cut' 1/3rd of an arc of the inner race off then the rest came off. Be sure to SECURE the unit very ,very well ! Make good '1st strikes' and 10-15 blows later it'll come off.

 

[haanzel]

Thanks, I was able to get it off. Picking up a bearing tomorrow to reassemble.

 

[GEP]

Thanks, I was able to get it off. Picking up a bearing tomorrow to reassemble.

Make sure the 2 small gears are not damaged. If they are you will spend some money

 

[Russell King]

Thanks, I was able to get it off. Picking up a bearing tomorrow to reassemble.

Would you share details on how you got it off/apart?

 

[haanzel]

Would you share details on how you got it off/apart?

It was a multiple things. I used brute force -a big hammer, pry bar, chisel, and dremel. I think the dremel helped a lot on the inner, youjust need to watch what you are cutting. I went back with the cold chisel next day and it was lose after a few hits. Slid right off.

Got it put back, filled it with some synthetic gear oil and it works fine. Cut part of the property yesterday.

For those searching for a manual, get the 3 piece set on kubotabooks, the rest are incomplete.