G1800 idler pulley needs replacing, how?

[Texwing]

My new to me 1992 G1800 was mowing great today but I started smelling burning rubber, and pretty soon smoke was dumping out of the front. If did not take much work to find the PTO engagement pulley-or idler pulley (not sure of the correct name) had frozen. I had to pull the battery to even see it, and it looks like this pulley has a snap ring on the front of it. To restate, this is the pulley that moves into the belts when engaging the mower PTO.

My question is, what do I replace, and how? Can I just pull that snap ring off the front and remove the pulley from the carrier, or does the entire arm need to come off? Can I replace the bearings in the pulley, or do i need what parts from Kubota? thanks for any advice.

 

[jinman]

If the pulley has a snap-ring that holds it on the arm, then you can just take it off. I think it does come off from the arm, but maybe not. I can't tell for sure from my maintenance manual. Your Kubota dealer's parts counter can surely tell you and they will be your best resource. Typically, idler pulleys are sold as a unit instead of replacing the bearings.

 

[Texwing]

Hi, thanks for the replies, yes the part cost is not too bad, but I cannot find a good picture of the part, I may just pull it next time we are at the lake, and see if i can press out the bearings and replace; i learned a long time ago most bearings can be matched up, usually cheaply, but I have to see how the part is made.

 

[jinman]

I down loaded a parts manual free of charge for the G1800 tractor and it gives an exploded view of parts and numbers.

Index of Kubotabooks/Tractor Parts Manuals/

Kubotafan, THANKS! for the link.:thumbsup: I've been downloading on the section I need form Messicks, but theirs is not nearly as complete nor easy to use as the one from your list. That's a terrific tool.:thumbsup:

Texwing: I think you might be in for a whole lot of work trying to replace that bearing. On these idlers, they are normally two pieces and sandwiched together to hold the bearing. The two pieces have rivets holding them around the bearing. If you can grind off the rivet heads and remove them, you can get the bearing out, but I'm not sure it will be easy to rivet the pulley halves back together. If you do it, please take photos. You also might find a standard replacement idler for a better price than Kubota's.

 

[Texwing]

Jinman, thanks for the tip. I might just punt and order the correct part; I was hoping for a pressed in bearing or two that could be heated and pressed out, I will play with it over memorial day. Interestingly i was able to get some oil on it and work it free, but it is rough and needs replacing but no emergency since its at a lake place that does not have to me mowed. There is just 400 hours on this little tractor, so I am a bit surprised at the failure but it could be from sitting to long.

On the bright side, it blasted through grass that had not been mowed for a year, tall grass, without hesitation, no belt slipping, no slowing of engine, so that was really impressive.

 

[powerstroke444e]

Easiest thing is to remove the whole are as the pulley bearings will be froze on there a little put the pulley in a vise and tap the shaft out shouldn't take more than 1hr in and out you need a 12mm 10mm and a snapring plyers.

 

[Texwing]

OK, I bought the "tension pulley" today, which gave me my first good look at the part: two halves spot welded together with two regular bearings trapped in side. I think it would be fairly doable with a drill press to drill out the spot welds, replace the bearings, and then bolt the two halves back together. I may still try it; I have great pride in "field repairs" but then again may choose to not fool with it, and install the new part.

 

[jinman]

Texwing, I'm glad you got your new idler. If you do attempt repair of the old one, take lots of photos please.

I need to do early summer maintenance/deck lubrication on my G1800. I'll be sure and check my idler when I do, but so far it sounds good and engages quite smoothly.

I saw an ad on craigslist for a G1800 with less than 500 hours for around $1300. I tried to contact the guy, but he may have already sold it since the add was about 2-1/2 weeks old. If I could get another good one for that price, I'd buy it in a heartbeat. The G1800 is one great little mower: strong and tough.

 

[DDugas]

Hi Texwing, I also have a G1800 and it is a great little tractor. I had the exact same problem with that tension pulley. I installed a new pulley on that arm which you were talking about earlier in the forum. Im sure you've noticed in your repairs that right in front of that tension pulley arm sits another arm with springs. There is a small snap ring that holds that arm on. Would you know what size that snap ring is? The only thing that is keeping me from using this great machine is a 10cent snap ring. After the original went missing, (it was bent up and ineffective anyway) I've been through many snaprings that just don't hold that other arm on. Any advice of yours could surely help me. Thanks

 

[Texwing]

Hello, sorry to take so long to reply, but the truth is I got the new pulley but never put it on-I oiled the old one while still on the tractor, worked it a bit, and it is still working ok. I decided I would deal with the changeout when I had to.
Cannot Kubota identify and get the right snap ring for you? Good luck.