MacKissic belt broke

[RalphVa]

Wouldn't you know. FINALLY can get the tractor down the hill along the creek to work on damage left by the May 30th tropic storm last year. Wanted to bust up some of the debris piles and to chip up the small stuff. Belt broke on the MacKissic TPH-122.

Called the local dealer. Not in stock. Put on order.

Belt is nearly 15 years old. Not bad. Had to replace the belt on the old TroyBilt several times.

We'll go down tomorrow and bust up the piles anyway. Can cut some of the big stuff to be able to set it aside, using our chain saws.

Ralph

 

[RalphVa]

Got new belt and blade today. The belt is about $100. It's a double pulley one. Thought it was like an auto serpentine belt.

The new "knife" blade was $67. Fifteen years I bought a spare for $56. Rotating the main and spare has lasted 15 years.

Ralph

 

[JackyJ]

I bought the same model (well, the TPH-123, which is virtually the same) just last year, so glad to know yours is holding up so well. Since you've got a bunch of experience with it, I'm wondering how you go about sharpening the knife. From what I understand, you need to use heat so the threadlock will release the bolts that hold it to the flywheel. I've got a propane torch, but I'm concerned I may ruin the temper on the knife steel. Wondering if a heavy duty soldering iron held on the bolt head might work instead. Or maybe you've found heat isn't needed?

I think the manual says to have the knife reground at a machine shop. But I'm pretty good with chisels and wood planes, so I'm going to do it myself. Any tips on what works for you?

Thanks!

 

[Rocko]

I have a Mac 12PT1100. Bought it 6 years ago, no problems. The bolts for the knife came right out for me, figured I'd use heat if I had too.
Bought a extra knife kit for it years ago. My step son is a tool maker, so when I swap the knife out, he sharpens the dull one.
He made 24 hammers for me also.
I just check the belt tension and grease it often.