Rear Finish Mower Replacing key on Woods RM48

[sncdoc]

I ran my RM48 mower into some tall grass and the blades suddenly stopped turning. I thought that the belt was slipping so took it to my garage to inspect it. I've determined that the 1/4 x 1/4 x 1 1/4 key that is inserted into the drive shaft to make the large drive pulley turn is not there anymore. We used to call a similar key a "shear key" since they were supposed to break before the shaft or other mechanical parts when the blades were stopped. So now the large main drive pulley does not turn with the drive shaft.

Now the big question is how to replace it. I have the manual but it is of little help except to give the original Woods part number (3886) but not much on how to replace it.

Does anyone have experience or could offer advise or directions?

Thanks

Doug Simmons

 

[KubotaSam]

I looked at the key from an old Woods mower that I have. It looks the same as yours but is an RM59. The key is made of steel. I think on a mower like this, the belts will slip and or break before you will do any damage to your pto shaft. I would put in a steel key and call it good. Most hardware store sell key stock or probably TSC would have it if you have one near.

 

[sncdoc]

Thanks for the info.

I'll get the key and then try to figure how to take everything apart to get to the slot.

Anyone know how many pieces I'll have to disassemble to get to where I can put the key in? Or is it possible to insert the key without taking anything off?

Doug