Rotary cutter gearbox

[fishfrank]

The gearbox on my rotary cutter came from the dealer filled with grease instead of gear oil. When you take out the check plug you just see grease. It’s now 10 years old and I’m wondering if this should ever be changed and if so how? Also how do I know if it has enough now? Like I said, you open it and just see grease.

 

[Chewwy]

More specific info on the cutter you are talking about would be most helpful.

 

[Xfaxman]

Some rotary cutters use corn head grease, or NLGI grade 0 (zero) grease.

Check this thread: grease in a rotary cutter gear box?

 

[fishfrank]

It’s an Ag-Meier Bronco 6 ft. The owners manual class for 80w-90 oil but it is most definately filled with grease

 

[Chewwy]

I can’t imagine that grease should be used in that gearbox. That being said, it apparently came with grease from the dealer and has lasted 10 years. Seems to be ok. Not sure how you could change it anyway, without total disassembly and reassembly.

 

[big bubba]

have you checked it hot after use? my Rhino came with a dark grease that liquefied when hot.

 

[deserteagle71]

Some rotary cutters use corn head grease, or NLGI grade 0 (zero) grease.

Check this thread: grease in a rotary cutter gear box?

My cutter uses the grease, and that's what is specified in the owner's manual. But I couldn't find a source for the grease - no one around here carried it. So I called the cutter manufacturer for advice and they told me if no NLGI Grade 0 grease is available then just use the heaviest gear oil you can find. Been running that mower for 25 years now; no leaks and no problems with the gearbox.

 

[big bubba]

the rhino tech recommended the same, GL5 85/140 as replacement to their factory grease. if your gearbox doesn't heat up excessively during use, i'd say the lubricant is doing it's job

personally, i'd have no problems converting to the above hypoid gear oil, but the OP will have to make up his own mind. many would say just leave it...but i certainly would not disassemble the gearbox if you do change as one poster recommended. let us know what you decide

 

[fishfrank]

have you checked it hot after use? my Rhino came with a dark grease that liquefied when hot.

I’m going to try that. Good idea

 

[big bubba]

I’m going to try that. Good idea

you might inquire to the manufacturer if their factory grease product is compatible w/GL5 type hypoids, bet it is... i'm not suggesting change, that's your choice, but just to know, regards

 

[Yander]

Was it new from the dealer or used? I watched a Tractor Mike video where he said he's seen guys pack an old gearbox that might have been leaking or worn with grease to get more life out of it.

Apparently it is a thing and works, as you are now testifying also.

 

[fishfrank]

Was it new from the dealer or used? I watched a Tractor Mike video where he said he's seen guys pack an old gearbox that might have been leaking or worn with grease to get more life out of it.

Apparently it is a thing and works, as you are now testifying also.

It came new from the dealer like this. Quite a bit of time passed before I checked it and saw that it was grease. Now 10 years have passed and it just made me curious. I’m going to do some mowing today and check to see what it looks like immediately after use.

 

[airbiscuit]

I don't have anything to add to your specific situation, but if I had a gearbox that was leaking (with 80/90 oil), I would add a little cornhead grease. grease, or straight STP just to keep things full and "oily".

 

[Williy]

Some guys fill the gear box with grease because they have a leak and
grease don't leak out

willy

 

[McCaskey]

John Deere Corn Head Grease is the best solution for leaky seals. I put a green spot on the gear boxes with grease to remind myself.
No problems in 20 years.

Amazon.com : john deere corn head grease

 

[kirkawilson]

I've been using TSC spindle grease on a 'leaky' gear box for 5 years now and it seems to stay put for a while. I can hear the gear box 'whine' when it needs another shot of grease. Usually cut about 20 acres before it needs topping off.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/super-s-cotton-picker-spindle-grease-00-1056828

 

[Hard Knocks IV]

I've been using corn head grease in gearboxes like that for over 25 years,no problem so far.You could always add a little gear oil to thin the grease if you wanted.New Holland for example originally used gear oil in their hay rake gearboxes but now say to use corn head grease.

 

[4x4moses]

My cutter uses the grease, and that's what is specified in the owner's manual. But I couldn't find a source for the grease - no one around here carried it. So I called the cutter manufacturer for advice and they told me if no NLGI Grade 0 grease is available then just use the heaviest gear oil you can find. Been running that mower for 25 years now; no leaks and no problems with the gearbox.

Most John Deere dealers carry what they call "corn head grease." I bought mine online (ebay), and replaced the 85W90 oil in my Ironcraft cutter.

 

[MHarryE]

Its been covered on other threads here - people open their gearbox or chain/gear drive on roto-tillers only to find grease rather than oil. I can't quickly find threads but people got responses from suppliers that the book may say oil but they made the change to Type 0 grease (which is most commonly found as John Deere corn head grease) due to customers seeing oil seeping past seals. Type 0 grease is a popular solution to leaking - all the similar gearboxes of my farm equipment have been changed to grease and I keep a supply of the grease on hand. Remember, it has to be Type 0 or John Deere Corn Head Grease. There are equivalents from other manufacturers like AGCO but I can't identify them all.

 

[Flogger]

00 corn head grease. It will remain a semi fluid and lube wwll without sneaking away through seals. I use it in all of my gearboxes and it is available in grease gun tubes from JD.