Howard Rotavator Repair (Need Oil Seals)

[300zx]

When I got my "new to me" B7100, it came with a Howard Rotavator (tiller). I have it torn down now getting it ready for Spring. The output shaft of the gear box is worn at the seal and the key way is wallowed out. I will take the shaft to a machinist for repair. I need new input and output shaft seals. My closest Howard dealer (in NC) has told me the parts I need, including the seals are no longer available. The output shaft seal has no visible numbers because the connecting shaft has been up against the seal at some point and worn any identification off. Is there a way to buy oil seals by the shaft diameter and the seat diameter? Also this seal is the double lip type.

 

[Kubota Newbie]

Take an old seal and head off to your nearest NAPA auto parts store. If the numbers are still legible on the old seal (usually stamped in the metal part of the seal somewhere) they can probably match one up for you. They can also look them up by bore and shaft diameter from their book if the old numbers are gone (and they're in the mood).
RC

 

[B7100]

Measure the diameter of the seal housing,mic the shaft diameter in an unworn area and measure the thickness of your old seal.If your local store can't help you,input those 3 dimensions along with the seal type,you say double lip,into an online bearring supplier and you should get them ok.
Dave

 

[2458n]

A good NAPA store would be able to help you. A company that deals with industrial power transmission-line shafts ,gear boxes, etc. should be able to help. Granger? You'll end up with a well made piece of equipment with that tiller. Good luck.

 

[exkx61]

I have a Howard Rotavator model 300 ,that i'm willing to part out if you need used parts in future.

 

[300zx]

Here are some pictures of the before and after restoration of the Howard Rotavator. I took the gear box apart to replace the seals and repair the key way in the output shaft. The seals turned out to be standard 1.98" OD seals. All of the bearings were good and look to be standard also. One interesting thing is that the tines look to be the same as on my Troybilt Horse tiller. The bend and the bolt holes are the same. I used some hardening rod on these tines to increase there wear time. I am hoping to turn up some Howard decals. If I don't it will get a Kubota decal. I am ready for the Spring garden work.

https://picasaweb.google.com/110263893958737890068/HowardTiller?authkey=Gv1sRgCJnsl_Cpkt6P1gE#

 

[bruceatlam]

Sure would look dandy on the back of my tractor!!!!!! Nice work!!!!

 

[300zx]

How you managed to paint thae inside of that chain case without a bunch of fish eyes in the paint is truly remarkable!

I had a little help. After cleaning it with kerosene and purple power, I had all of the rotavator parts sand blasted and powder coated. The powder coat matched the new Kubota color, so I am painting any areas that couldn't go into the powder coat oven (400 F) with the newer color also. I'm expecting the powder coat to stand up to abuse better than just paint.

 

[mphymel]

Guys,

I am posting onto this thread because I know how difficult it is to find parts for the gray market tillers. I found someone in Canada who can get parts for these, and would like to list his website here to help anyone else trying to repair these machines.

Moderators, if this is inappropriate or unfair to vendor members, remove as you see fit, I am just trying to contribute, as I have referred to this site several times trying to find help myself.

White Horse Distribution
http://www.used-tractors.ca