greasemonkeyok
Veteran Member
I wonder what percentage of the MX 6 shafts break. Is it possible there was a bad batch of shafts, but the rest are OK?
Any source for John Deere MX6 cutter parts?
- Thread starter chevyls6
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Ken
Veteran Member
Wouldn't think it was a batch since there is several different types The made in Spain must of been bad because changed to Mexico then now made in China and there is 3 types used in this box just have to open to figure out what type.
There is a lot of weight attached to a 6 to 8 inch shaft hanging out of the box. Then a stump or rock hits it something has to go.
Told the J.P. parts person maybe since my old one is worn out metal could weld it to bottom of the MX6
They have a way of looking as if maybe should run. sometimes.
Thanks for the replys it helps in making decision on what to do.
Has anyone changed the box to another brand if so what did you buy.
ken
aczlan
Good Morning
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- Kubota L3830GST, B7500HST, BX2660. Formerly: Case 480F LL, David Brown 880UE
Perhaps something like this would work: Surplus Center - 1:1.05 GEARBOX BUSH HOG 3209 ROTARY CUTTER
Aaron Z
Aaron Z
Ken
Veteran Member
Aaron the length of out put shaft may be 2/4 inchs short. Sure does look good also the 190 Hp. shouldn't worry about over powering with 60 hp tractor.
Wonder what the bushhog pan and blades would cost. may be good items thanks for the information.
ken
p.s.There is several comments about the slip clutch not being checked I had loosened mine until bolts were loose and was tightening up 1/2 turn each when the shaft broke. so the clutch was over slack.
Ken said:
Yea, I'd run the worn out Howse and then order a new HD Howse 6' cutter with100 HP gear box, clutch, stump jumper, 3/16 inch steel deck with 3"steel reinforced tubing for $1800. Didn't look back on the Deere specs but I think the deck used to be thinner than 3/16.
Good luck
Ken
Veteran Member
Been looking at this gear box from Surplus Center and the Bush hog web site and comparing the parts will talk to bush hog Monday to see if can locate a parts match . Price sure beats the one quoted from J.D.
Ken
Veteran Member
Was offered 550 bucks for the carcus of this MX6 thought it was a little cheap.
Howse getting to look better all the time.
Ken
Veteran Member
Good information talked to Bush hog rep. and ordered a pan and knife bar for this bush hog gear box and then orered the gear box from Surplus center. and total price was 779 bucks that included shipping of parts. Better than the shaft only at J.D. parts.
Aaron thanks for the suggestion. Think 190 gear box will hold up more better than the original J.D box.
ken
Ductape
Elite Member
Please take some pics when you make the repair. I'm very interested in seeing how that gearbox works out as far as the output shaft length, etc. Perhaps others will do the same.
Ken
Veteran Member
Can you give me a list to follow to get the pictures to display.
I'm missing something in the attempt.
ken
Ken
Veteran Member
deere5105
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- 2008 John Deere 5303 MFWD, 2004 John Deere 5205
As requested, please post pics. I have a MX6 and have considered selling it before risking having this common issue. I have cut some pretty rough stuff with mine and so far no issues. If starting over, would probably go with a Bush Hog brand medium/heavy 6' cutter. Would at times like wider cut, but 6' probably best overall for my needs.
Ken
Veteran Member
My computer will give me and error message when trying to get pictures to upload to TBN forum. Read the pictures forum suggestions and followed several suggestions all error.
Old computer would send pictures. Getting closer to knowing the problem think it is settings of security.
My J.D. dealer ship tells me gearboxes after Nov. 2010 are 5 year warrenty.Mine was 2008 and made in China. shaft failed at spring retainer groove about 4" from end of shaft.
There is about 3 modifications for the shaft which one it has have to open the box and look.
There is a heavy Equipment machinist here that welds the shaft only takes a length of time to get it done because of his work load.
As suggested there is a Bush hog gear box listed in Surplus Center and I purchased one quick shipping and have had to drill new holes to bolt on the MX6 also ordered the stump jumper and knives from bush hog should be here this week. only problem so far. need a 1 3/4"Female 20 tooth to 1 3/8th male adapter to connect the stump jumper to tractor pto.
ken
aczlan
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- Kubota L3830GST, B7500HST, BX2660. Formerly: Case 480F LL, David Brown 880UE
Glad to hear that it is working out for you. I ran across that gearbox a while back when looking for something else and the thread jarred my memory. Hopefully it works better than new.
Aaron Z
deere5105
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Ken said:
Mine is a 2004 model so no warranty concern for me. After giving more thought to this situation, it seems there are solutions. I would be curious to know how much more making this repair on a MX6 is compared to similar Bush Hog brand unit.
So far I have been pleased with the performance of my MX6. Only reason for considering swapping would be due to this common occurring problem.
Ken
Veteran Member
Deere 5105 I agree there is solutions to the problem . and if ,if had purchased after 2010 would of been under warrenty. But my 2008 wasn't.
After the shaft broke went to j.d. parts counter of local dealer and was told the shaft costs $775. This included the seals and gears and bearings before taxes and shipping cost. with 90 day warrenty.
would not sell only the shaft.
The shaft also can be rewelded after breaking by some machine shops. No warrenty if again breaks.
A TBN member suggested looking at the Bush Hog gear box and decided it would work and ordered
So from Surplus City Nebr. purchased 3209 gear box $199.95
Tax and shipping $160.00
PT-20 shaft adapter from J.D. parts 1 3/4 to 1 3/8 $ 67.00
3209 6' stumpjumper bar blades bolts shipping taxes.from Bush Hog co. $447.00
Rental of Acet. and Oyx. bottles $ 25.00
____________
So the total and hope all expenses comes to $899.90
Now could of had j.d. replace the shaft for $1200 bucks or buy new gear box for only $1300.00
or sell for $500 as was offered.
By end of the week will have a running rotory cutter with gear box over sized but heavier stronger and maybe will not have to worry about the shaft breaking in cutting weeds at 6" off the ground.
I have a older, sheet metal worn out re-welded everywhere . Bush Hog 5' cutter and the gear box is still running seal holding and able to run all day.
And most likly it is a 40 h.p. gear box. This is the reason the gear box from Bush Hog was considered.
and no slip clutch just a shear bolt for protection.
ken
So all told and should be all expense
Ken said:
$500 scrap plus $899.90 plus "0lder sheet metal worn out, welded everywhere" would have me looking a heavier unit. Will try to post picks of new unit I bought within a few hundred of where you are.
Decisions, decisions.
RJ
Hope these help. Sometimes I buy new when the repairs get to be within a few hundred dollars of new. it is one of Howse's heavier duty models. I believe it was the 6100T. Just over 1000 lbs...100hp gear box and 3/16 inch steel reinforced with 3 inch tubing. My cost was $1800 but that's regional just like all implements. Good luck.p.s. I am in no way affiliated with anyone. Just like the best value for my money. Time will tell on this one.
RJ
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Ken
Veteran Member
But mine still will be green. Like the tractor FWL
A little red where the new gear box is located.
Was refering to old but still working bush hog that had the metal welded and rewelded not the new disabled j.d. MX6
ken
Zebrafive
Super Member
If the Bush Hog gear box works paint it red. As it will be reborn a Bush Hog, no longer a Deere.
