Best method to remove top plate of gear box on Woods rotary cutter?

[wendol]

I need to change the grease in the gear box..........It seems most recommend method is siphoning out the grease thru either the fill opening or the level fill opening. Some even recommend tilting the cutter on it's side.........not doable for me!!

My preference would be to have more access for this process, so I removed the bolts on the top plate, and gave it a couple of gentle taps and it didn't want to move........so.........any recommendations on safely removing this top plate? Thanks in advance for any all help!!

FWIW, the owners manual states, "use silicone sealer between cap and housing".........I assume this is the method used when it was originally assembled.

 

[PaulL]

Is it grease or gear oil?

I think I'd lever it with something a bit, to break the seal on the silicone. Maybe a screwdriver, maybe it needs a blade of some sort to get under it without burring it.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I need to change the grease in the gear box..........It seems most recommend method is siphoning out the grease thru either the fill opening or the level fill opening. Some even recommend tilting the cutter on it's side.........not doable for me!!

My preference would be to have more access for this process, so I removed the bolts on the top plate, and gave it a couple of gentle taps and it didn't want to move........so.........any recommendations on safely removing this top plate? Thanks in advance for any all help!!

FWIW, the owners manual states, "use silicone sealer between cap and housing".........I assume this is the method used when it was originally assembled.

View attachment 118113

If it aint broke dont fix it till ot is.

Put the bolts back, remove the plug, and top off as needed.

Dan

 

[imnukensc]

I'm going to bet it is gear oil and not grease in there. Easy enough to siphon out with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=oil+siph...refix=,aps,112&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent

 

[wendol]

I'm going to bet it is gear oil and not grease in there. Easy enough to siphon out with something like this: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=oil+siphon+pump&crid=1NPXOQ6G57O5F&sprefix=,aps,112&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent

Yes gear oil.........not grease......sorry for the mispost!!

 

[SDT]

I need to change the grease in the gear box..........It seems most recommend method is siphoning out the grease thru either the fill opening or the level fill opening. Some even recommend tilting the cutter on it's side.........not doable for me!!

My preference would be to have more access for this process, so I removed the bolts on the top plate, and gave it a couple of gentle taps and it didn't want to move........so.........any recommendations on safely removing this top plate? Thanks in advance for any all help!!

FWIW, the owners manual states, "use silicone sealer between cap and housing".........I assume this is the method used when it was originally assembled.

View attachment 118113

Should come right off with a little persuasion. If it has a gasket, replace the gasket with a new one. No doubt your dealer will need to order one.

I use a vacuum tank intended for changing engine oil in boat engines. Works well when gearbox oil is hot after use. I change the 90W in all of my mower gearboxes every 3-4 years due to water contamination from condensation.

 

[Russell King]

Use a thin blade after cutting the paint at the joint with a razor blade knife first.

Use something like a metal putty knife.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

yes, a sharp wide stiff putty knife seems to be the best tool, using gentle taps with a SMALL hammer, once it's split a bit 'follow' the split using gentle taps.

 

[wendol]

Should come right off with a little persuasion. If it has a gasket, replace the gasket with a new one. No doubt your dealer will need to order one.

I use a vacuum tank intended for changing engine oil in boat engines. Works well when gearbox oil is hot after use. I change the 90W in all of my mower gearboxes every 3-4 years due to water contamination from condensation.

Thanks.........great recommendation

 

[wendol]

Use a thin blade after cutting the paint at the joint with a razor blade knife first.

Use something like a metal putty knife.

Russell.....sounds like a plan.......I'll give it a try.

 

[wendol]

yes, a sharp wide stiff putty knife seems to be the best tool, using gentle taps with a SMALL hammer, once it's split a bit 'follow' the split using gentle taps.

Jay, sounds like the finishing touch to get that top removed.......thanks!!

 

[GreensvilleJay]

I can usually get the heads off small B&S engines with my 'custom ground' putty knife AND reuse the head gasket. OK reusing the gasket is a 'nono' but as long as it's not torn or slit, they work just fine.
Patience.. you also have to have PATIENCE.