I would buy an M12x1.25 LH Helicoil kit. The kit should contain the proper size drill bit, special LH tap, installation tool, and inserts. It'll probably be $100+. The next alternative is to replace the shaft, but will cost more time and money.
Kubota T1880 Won't Drive
- Thread starter Pat_USA
- Start date
On Amazon is $18, on eBay is around the same price. Is it complete kit on Amazon?
Buy New $17.99
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BILITOOLS
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BILITOOLS M12x1.25 Thread Repair Kit, HSS Drill Helicoil Repair Kit Metric
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Here is the link for this product:
Here is a link to a video that shows the basics of using a tap and die set, for your needs just look at the tapping part. YouTube using a tap
I just need to buy a tap M12x1.25 LH, manually turn it counterclockwise (reversing occasionally as suggested in the video), and use some oil—any lubricating oil?. Then, if I can’t find the blade, I’ll order it along with the bolt and washer again. It seems simple enough. Would ordering that product on Amazon be good enough for this job?
Can someone share the correct link for an M12x1.25 LH counterclockwise thread tap?
I want to make sure I don’t buy the wrong one.
Also, is there a local store where I can purchase this counterclockwise tap?
Which option from this website is the correct one, and is it very expensive?
Also, is there a place available for rental (I doubt it)?
helicoils | McMaster-Carr
No, I doubt you can rent.
I have been looking and having a very hard time finding a LH set that includes the thread insert, the tap, and the tool to instal the insert.
I found this kit that has everthing, but it's $135
https://www.threadtoolsupply.com/M12x125-lh-professional-helical-insert-repair-kit.html
I will check price with Kubota, if it's high, I have no choice but buy the one from your link. Thank you so much for sending me the right link.
I don't think a tap alone is going to fix it. If it has already shed the blade once, that tells me the threads are stripped and a tap isn't going to remake the threads.
A longer bolt might reach new threads deeper in the shaft, or drill the shaft deeper, tap deeper, and use a longer bolt. But left hand bolts, especially metric, are hard to come by and expensive.
I've looked at the parts and have a new alternative. The shaft is ~$68 IF, and that's a big if, it's available. The bearings, takes 2, are ~$18 each. Apparently these are sealed bearings, so replacing them would renew the bearings and seals. If you can get the pulley off the shaft, remove the spindle from the deck and have the dealer replace the shaft and bearings. If you can't get the pulley and spindle off, take the deck to the dealer. Ask the dealer if he can get the shaft and how much he would charge to do the work.
I'd appreciate comments from others.
A longer bolt might reach new threads deeper in the shaft, or drill the shaft deeper, tap deeper, and use a longer bolt. But left hand bolts, especially metric, are hard to come by and expensive.
I've looked at the parts and have a new alternative. The shaft is ~$68 IF, and that's a big if, it's available. The bearings, takes 2, are ~$18 each. Apparently these are sealed bearings, so replacing them would renew the bearings and seals. If you can get the pulley off the shaft, remove the spindle from the deck and have the dealer replace the shaft and bearings. If you can't get the pulley and spindle off, take the deck to the dealer. Ask the dealer if he can get the shaft and how much he would charge to do the work.
I'd appreciate comments from others.
Okay, this is another option. I need to ask the dealer how many ways there are to fix this issue and which one is the cheapest. Or should I just buy another used rider? I really appreciate all the comments and help!
Paul Allwood
Well-known member
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Equipment
Kubota B7200HSTD, homemade FEL, front flail mower, forks & ballast box, tiller
I don't think I'd be extra confident about drilling and tapping into the ends of the spindle. I had a spindle assembly apart on an old Kubota deck and the spindles are hardened. My guess is that yours are too. Re-tapping to clean up threads may be possible but I wouldn't bet on the chances of re-drilling and tapping larger.
As @ProTreeBoy mentions above, replacing the spindles may be best. This is a pretty easy job with a small press.
As @ProTreeBoy mentions above, replacing the spindles may be best. This is a pretty easy job with a small press.
No need for that just yet I don't think. Here's a couple of my thoughts:
1.). It's unlikely that the dealer will recommend the helicoil/ rethread route, but that doesn't mean it's not an option. Just going to cost decent money to get the materials to do it.
2.). The dealer may want to put a new shaft/ bearing in your spindle. (the shaft I refer to is the part that the bolt threads into, and has a pulley on the top side.) Keep in mind this will be somewhat expensive too since they will use Kubota parts and their labor hours since I'm not sure if you'd want to do this job yourself.
If I were you, I would compare the cost of these two options and choose between them over buying a new mower.
There is also the idea that you could buy a new spindle assembly. You could do this swap yourself (4 bolts), but I took a quick look and didn't see any obvious for sale. Maybe I looked in the wrong places.
Looks like there are lots of good ideas floating around here now, so maybe someone (smarter than me) can give you more definitive advise!
These might not be the right ones, but the Kubota part is very expensive.
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Well its hard to find a video for left hand taping, same process, except your turning counter clockwise. Do you have a hardware close by? If you can find the old bolt they can help you size the correct tap and drill and the new bolt. Get their advice and order whatever they don't have from amazon
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Let me stress, since the old threads are almost gone you will need to go up one size. Since I don't know what size the old bolt is, I cant advise. Get that info and I could help with selecting what you need
The part number for the spindle assembly you need is K5124-71520, and it is over $600. I didn't find an aftermarket item. That's why I recommend replacing the shaft; it's the low cost - low risk solution, IF the shaft is available.
If the shaft isn't available, I'd go the Helicoil route with the caution from @Paul Allwood above. Hopefully, the shaft is case hardened and not too hard on the inside.