Cutter gear box fun

Norman

Member

Equipment
LX2610HSD;LA535;LP 60" grapple; WC68 chipper; GB60 SW cutter
Sep 30, 2021
84
97
18
Georgia, USA
I bought an old (probably VERY old) 5’ sidewinder cutter. It’s rough, but it works. Going through it all now so I know what condition it’s in. Today was gearbox day. I know the seals were shot so I expected grease on the box. I was not disappointed. Based on the consistency I think it’s #1 or possibly #2 grease. Question for the collective, should I clean this out and replace with corn head grease (I have enough to fill the box)? Or just button it up and send it?
BFDCF49B-8614-4359-BA0F-309135832EC7.jpeg
552B67E6-7996-40F4-A2FF-067A1B13ED97.jpeg
 

mcfarmall

Well-known member

Equipment
Kubota M5660SUHD, Farmall C
Sep 11, 2013
1,413
1,692
113
Kalamazoo, MI
Clean, inspect, repair, replace any damaged or worn parts, fill to proper level with corn head grease.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users

hedgerow

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2015
294
257
63
Malcolm NE
Clean, inspect, repair, replace any damaged or worn parts, fill to proper level with corn head grease.
This is how I would handle it. I have very few gearboxes on the farm that have 80/90 gear oil in them. I use corn head grease in most gear boxes. My bat wing mower came with corn head grease in it from the factory.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

woodman55

Well-known member

Equipment
L6060HSTC, RTV 1100
May 15, 2022
939
737
93
canada
I just googled "corn head grease", sounds like pretty good stuff. I will keep it in mind if a gear box seal starts to fail.
 

SDT

Well-known member

Equipment
multiple and various
Apr 15, 2018
3,260
1,049
113
SE, IN
I bought an old (probably VERY old) 5’ sidewinder cutter. It’s rough, but it works. Going through it all now so I know what condition it’s in. Today was gearbox day. I know the seals were shot so I expected grease on the box. I was not disappointed. Based on the consistency I think it’s #1 or possibly #2 grease. Question for the collective, should I clean this out and replace with corn head grease (I have enough to fill the box)? Or just button it up and send it? View attachment 99303 View attachment 99304
If mine, I would clean, reseal, etc., and fill with CNH Pourable High EP grease.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

Norman

Member

Equipment
LX2610HSD;LA535;LP 60" grapple; WC68 chipper; GB60 SW cutter
Sep 30, 2021
84
97
18
Georgia, USA
I appreciate the comments. It confirms the direction I was going in. I might not be able to replace seals unless I take careful measurements with a caliper. There are no markings on the seals or on the box. But, given the age, condition, and price I paid I think cornhead grease or equivalent is my solution.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user