Rebuilding Ford Bushhog

[Morning Wood]

Be got an older Ford Bushhog. The skin of the machine is really trashed. I've decided to have a new one made and I'll weld on all the stiffeners and 3 pt linkage. I'm trying to take it apart now. On the under side is a big disc that the blades bolt to. The disc seems to be in a spline joint on the shaft of the gear case. Could someone explain the best method for getting this thing off? It needs to come off to break down the rest of the mower and unbolt everything. It seems to be pretty seized up. I will take some pics when I get a chance as they will be better than words. I'll also get the model number. I was thinking a gear puller would be best, but the threaded shaft doesn't stick by that much and I'm not sure how effective it will be. Thanks, Nick.

 

[TractorTech]

Some heat and a puller, with patience should get it off.

 

[Morning Wood]

So, this should slide off the shaft correct?

 

[whis]

yes it will

 

[Morning Wood]

It doesn't seem to want to. I'm going to have to get it red hot I think. Until then, I'm loading it with pb blaster

 

[jimmysisson]

Pressure on the puller, blaster, hit the wrench end of the puller with a 2 lb hammer a few shots, repeat. Heat will speed the process, but short of red.
Jim

 

[TractorTech]

Pressure on the puller, blaster, hit the wrench end of the puller with a 2 lb hammer a few shots, repeat. Heat will speed the process, but short of red.
Jim

DITTO

 

[Opti-Mist]

Check the gear box while you're at it. Those were notorious for the lower seal going and then getting filled with grease. No harm done and they'll run for years that way. If the gear box is bolted on you might check for wear in that interface. Otherwise they don't give up much over time.

 

[Morning Wood]

Thanks. I will if I ever get this **** bottom section off. It's tough to access the bolts without it off. I was actually looking at used bush hogs on craigslist. How do the units with a slip clutch work?