Another MX6 Brush Hog Failure

[lungdoc]

So our MX6 had this happen today while working on a forest trail. No unusual impact at the time. Had good use but always carefully maintained and checked slip clutch.

 

[joecdeere]

My boss had his let go at deer camp last weekend, got one of the rear tires on the way out, not a happy man!

Sad part is there is no cheap fix through Deere, it's a nice mower on the outside, but this shouldn't be happening to a 3 grand mower! My $800 King Kutter is 15 years old and I treat it fought, never had a issue yet.

 

[brown40]

There is a rather involved fix if you have the tools and time. The issue is the length of that lower output shaft and orientation of the bolt pattern is of 30 degrees.http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/john-deere-owning-operating/323581-mx-5-6-7-john.html?highlight=
Comer's still making the casting and configuration on the LF227J gearbox. Original ratio was 1.69 to 1--hard gearbox to track down, and the only one that will reach through the deck.
My repair has been great this year. Better cut, and the black looks good above the green deck--like a cat on a roller skate. Using the heavier driveline and box, I've had a hard time getting the clutch to slip as easy as I like--it just keeps going.

 

[Magicman710]

What years are affected again?

We have one from 2002/2003 thats taken nothing but abuse and has always ran like a champ.

 

[milkie62]

Anybody with any other shaft issues ? I know this thread is a few months old now but spring is coming and I am shopping for a new 6 foot brush hog.Been looking at Woods,Land Pride and Deere.Would like a 609 Deere but do not know if I need to go that heavy since the cheapo 50 plus year old Ford one is not that heavy duty but is just getting old.

 

[ArlyA]

We are looking at the MX6 or 609 Deere mowers because we can get it at 20% from our dealer. We are going to hit rocks, dirt and stumps since that is the nature of our trails. Of course, if the gear box is going to crap out, we'll look at other machines in the 1st place..... Has JD upgraded this poor gear box design on the MX? Looked for 609 reviews and found none.

 

[GreatWhitehunter]

Deere now offers a warranty on the MX6 and I believe they changed suppliers. I can't recall if it's a 3 yr or 6 yr.

Matt

 

[brown40]

The vintage of the cutters is what matters. There were a number of box and stumper changes. The spanish gearboxes are all bad, the early chinese ones had a high fail rate. You can probably track the progression of serial numbers on the redesign(s) on line.

 

[MF283]

The vintage of the cutters is what matters.

Yep, you can usually get an older one that looks beat all to pieces & still get a great unit:thumbsup:

Ronnie

 

[ArlyA]

Thanks guys. Whatever we get, it will be new. I'm now under the impression that we may need to revert to Woods or some brand that's heavier than the JD MX6. A warranty is good and all, but I'd prefer to use an implement that's built well enough to not break in the 1st place. Having it repaired is time away from ones work, just to haul it to some shop and have it repaired.. Been there, done that.