First impressions mowing with a RFM

[Mechanos]

I might have a couple of super crappy cell phone pics of it in the condition when I bought it. I didn't take any pics during the "rebuild", but I could get a couple of the "finished" deck. I didn't bother with replacing any of the decals... they don't make it mow any better.

 

[LD1]

What all did you end up replacing?? Just belt, bearings, and idler pulleys as I did, or did you dig into the gearbox?? Are your bearings greasable?

 

[Mechanos]

What all did you end up replacing?? Just belt, bearings, and idler pulleys as I did, or did you dig into the gearbox?? Are your bearings greasable?

Replaced the all of the spindle bearings, tried to replace the bearing in the v-grooved idler but ended up destroying the whole assembly tried to get the old rusted in bearing out, replaced the bearings in the "non-replaceable bearing" flat idlers, replaced all four of the tapered roller bearings/races in the gearbox, installed repair sleeves on the input and output shafts to restore the seal surfaces and installed new seals. Also replaced the belt... those are not cheap! My spindles are the sealed bearing, non-greasable style... I just replaced with the same instead of converting to greasable style. Also had to replace the wheel bearings in the front casters.

 

[LD1]

Yea, you did a little more than I had to do. And you aint kidding about them belts. I got mine for $70 and I imagine yours is a tad bigger.

As to the non-replaceable bearings......did you by change drill/grind the rivets out and re-assemble with short bolts??? BTDT

I prefer greasable spindles. It isnt hard to do. All I did was drill down the top of the spindle bolt to below the upper bearing. Then a cross hole to let grease out. Tap the hole for a zerk and you are done. pull the inner seal off the bearings ofcourse:thumbsup:

 

[Mechanos]

Yea, you did a little more than I had to do. And you aint kidding about them belts. I got mine for $70 and I imagine yours is a tad bigger.

As to the non-replaceable bearings......did you by change drill/grind the rivets out and re-assemble with short bolts??? BTDT

I prefer greasable spindles. It isnt hard to do. All I did was drill down the top of the spindle bolt to below the upper bearing. Then a cross hole to let grease out. Tap the hole for a zerk and you are done. pull the inner seal off the bearings ofcourse:thumbsup:

Yes... split the two halves of the riveted pulley, and bolt back together. The cost of the bolts and the new bearing combined was less than half the cost of the replacement pulley.

The new belt was $100.

Maybe I'll do the greasable conversion on the next bearing swap... depending on how long these last.

I had to get into the gear box since the lower seal was completely blown out. While I was in there.....