Weedwacker

[czechsonofagun]

I killed our trusty JD weedwhacker last weekend. The bottom end transmission started to make bad sounds, stopped spinning and after closer inspection (taking apart), I found a bearing on the pinion that went kaboom. Took it to the local dealer, one day and $70 later the weedwhacker is running again.

BUT

The dealer carried only the complete assembled gearcase. Another example of the throwaway culture of today. All I needed was a bearing and a C clip - the old one was bent - and half an hour to put it back together. This way I paid too much, fixed it faster and ended with box of parts I will probably never need.

I admit I didn't feel like chasing the right size bearing and c-clip any other place but John Deer. Not to start any flame war here, but Sears parts department usually carries any single part of a tool or appliance - and I don't like Sears.

 

[archerm3]

I killed our trusty JD weedwhacker last weekend. The bottom end transmission started to make bad sounds, stopped spinning and after closer inspection (taking apart), I found a bearing on the pinion that went kaboom. Took it to the local dealer, one day and $70 later the weedwhacker is running again.

BUT

The dealer carried only the complete assembled gearcase. Another example of the throwaway culture of today. All I needed was a bearing and a C clip - the old one was bent - and half an hour to put it back together. This way I paid too much, fixed it faster and ended with box of parts I will probably never need.

I admit I didn't feel like chasing the right size bearing and c-clip any other place but John Deer. Not to start any flame war here, but Sears parts department usually carries any single part of a tool or appliance - and I don't like Sears.

Aww, i figured that you as an Enginerd that you could've taken a mic and sourced the proper size bearing and clip from mcmaster or a bearing wholesaler.

 

[RobertN]

Kinda thought maybe he'd have access to a lathe and make his own

 

[czechsonofagun]

If the price was prohibitive, I would find just the bearing, but sometimes it is just easier to follow the crowd - shame on me

 

[Bird]

Sears parts department usually carries any single part of a tool or appliance - and I don't like Sears.

Yep, and manuals for their products usually include a parts list. That's one of the things I like about Sears. However . . ., when I was repairing/rebuilding mechanics' air tools, we had a slight problem. The vanes or blades in air motors are sold in sets of 6 (or 4 or however many that tool uses) and the Sears parts list clearly showed that. But when we ordered a set of 6, they sent one single blade, but charged for the set. A phone call later, they admitted the error and sent one more single blade. Six phone calls to get one set of 6 blades was a bit annoying.:laughing:

 

[czechsonofagun]

Nice story, Bird.

I had similar experience with Enco buying carbide inserts for lathe. I wanted a box, because I know how easy they brake. However it was not clearly marked and whatnot and I got a box with one insert in it. Annoyed me a bit

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Nice story, Bird.

I had similar experience with Enco buying carbide inserts for lathe. I wanted a box, because I know how easy they brake. However it was not clearly marked and whatnot and I got a box with one insert in it. Annoyed me a bit

I had the opposite experience buying light bulbs for my ATV. I ordered one and got a box of 12. I called the company, and they said to just keep them all.

Anyone need bulbs for a mid 90's Yamaha?

 

[Thomas]

I needed to replace 2 spindles 2 blades 1 deck belt on 8 year old deck,for $110.oo more it was cheaper to purchase new 42" deck ready to go..parts items guess where the money is.

 

[czechsonofagun]

I paid $220 for the whacker in 2002 - Home Depot. Seventy bucks 8 years later, I am still happy with it.

Truth is, I use it only with a string even it is made to use the blade too. I just thing it takes too much abuse from the blade. But I keep gas in it year around, never use it in winter and it always starts and runs like raped ape.:thumbsup: