Mid Mount Mower stalling tractor

[adfromoz]

Hi Guys,
Thought I would ask you before I set-to pulling things apart.
When using the MMM on Kubota B7500 (Hydrostatic) last weekend, I got (nearly) to the end of the second paddock, when it stalled the tractor with the accompanying smell of rubber. My first thought was something caught in the blades/pulley belt, but cannot see anything there.
Tractor will start and run fine, but when I engage the blades and let out the cluch, the revs drop and it will stall if I persist.
The outside 2 blades move freely, but I have not got at the centre one properly yet. Does this sound to you like the centre bearing is fritzed?
I'm not the most mechanically minded person in the World, so I'm likely WAAAY off track here!
Cheers for the advice.

 

[ccsial]

I suspect the burning rubber was the belt so it sounds like a spindle. I'd remove the belt and disconnexct the pto and check each spindle for free rotation.

 

[adfromoz]

Thanks for the quick reply ccsial (don't you sleep? or do I have the time difference wrong?). That's what I wanted to check before I pull things apart. Don't want to do it if there is no need!
4 day Easter break coming on, so I want to get a bit done....................On the other hand, I could just go fishing.......!

 

[art]

Might be the center gear box that failed.

 

[adfromoz]

Hi Art,
I'd rather not think that way at the moment....sounds too expensive. I'll check the spindles first, just be assured that I'll blame you if it is the centre gearbox

 

[ccsial]

adfromoz, I posted at about 7PM here. I think you are about 16 hours ahead of me. I used to know the time zones better when I was real active on hamm radio years ago.

If you smelled rubber (belt) then probably not the gearbox. Good luck, I hope it is an easy fix.

 

[adfromoz]

Thanks again ccsial, I'll pull the deck off the tractor this evening and have a better look.
I'm thinking the spindle could be right, but I'm hoping that there is just something stuck in there that I can't see with the deck in place........You gotta hope eh?

 

[ccsial]

Hope is always good. Let us know what you find.

 

[art]

Hi Art,
I'd rather not think that way at the moment....sounds too expensive. I'll check the spindles first, just be assured that I'll blame you if it is the centre gearbox

I'd hope that it would just be a spindle for your sake! You only have one left! I have seen sticks and other debris also hold them tight as well as a stone from underneath!

 

[adfromoz]

I'd hope that it would just be a spindle for your sake! You only have one left! I have seen sticks and other debris also hold them tight as well as a stone from underneath!

That's what I'm hoping Art. Did not get to look at it last night (darned working for a living....!)
I'll let you know the results next week.
Have a great Easter everyone!