MF 31 sickle bar mower - Hinge bushing 581324M1

[Sodo]

Getting down to the last few details to get my MF 31 sickle mower rebuilt. If you ignore all the problems, it's in real nice condition!

My hinge bushing is no good, and the only replacement I can find is $80 on eBay. The bigger hinge bearing uses a split journal bearing, like on a connecting rod. The smaller hinge looks like it's fabric reinforced. (?).

Its item#48 in the AGCO diagram.

Is there a substitute for this bushing? Can it be made with plastic sheet?

 

[flusher]

That joint doesn't move very often. I'd just rig up something with a large bolt/nut and pieces of PVC tubing cut to length.

Good luck.

 

[Sodo]

Thanks Flusher. Thats a good idea, a split PVC pipe, will be just fine. Agreed, this joint is no big deal. It will move more if I add a hydr. cylinder to lift it over stumps?.

 

[Sodo]

Hey Flusher, can you tell me the length of the PTO shaft? The distance from the shear pin to the tractor PTO. I need to order a shaft but forgot to measure the length last time I was out there and its 125miles away. I really appreciated your help along the way, anxious to get mine running.

 

[Coyote machine]

Nylon might stand up better than PVC, but it might be harder to get in the diameter you need?

 

[flusher]

30 inches from the shear pin to the end of the pto U-joint on the mower end with the pto shaft fully retracted.

Good luck

 

[Sodo]

Yes Nylon would be better, buy pretty sure Flusher's right that joint doesn't do much. If PVC or whatever (rolled up strips of 5-gal bucket etc?) wears out then I'll know to look for something tougher. Maybe "when" I add a hydr cylinder to raise it over stumps then I'll have an opportunity to wear it out (luckily my tractor has rear hydraulics).

OK Flusher, orderig a PTO shaft that is 30 inches retracted, Thx very much!

 

[flusher]

Yes Nylon would be better, buy pretty sure Flusher's right that joint doesn't do much. If PVC or whatever (rolled up strips of 5-gal bucket etc?) wears out then I'll know to look for something tougher. Maybe "when" I add a hydr cylinder to raise it over stumps then I'll have an opportunity to wear it out (luckily my tractor has rear hydraulics).

OK Flusher, orderig a PTO shaft that is 30 inches retracted, Thx very much!

I normally order somewhat oversize pto shafts (maybe 6-12 inches longer) and then cut the shaft to fit the implement.

 

[Sodo]

Couldn't find a PTO drive that went to 1" shaft with 1/4" shearbolt. Since I have the mower half, I bought a the tractor half on eBay. I don't know what it's like inside, and assume I'll have to fabricate the 7/8 x 3/4 rectangular socket part. How much engagement do you think it needs? The shearbolt is only 1/4".

 

[Ryan59]

A Nylon bushing would be simple to make on a lathe.