Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): John Deere 420/ 60, wire wrapper, drive shaft

Question
QUESTION: I have had problems with a shaft pin for my mower. The shaft that comes out of the gear box calls for a shaft pin to go through, connecting the u-joint. It also calls for a 'wire' to hold it in place, but doesn't give a specification. I have tried every imaginable type of wire...and it continues breaking down after 5-10 uses.

Any thoughts?

thanks!
Steve

ANSWER: What type of wire have you tried?  Have you tried racing or aircraft tieing wire?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have not....and have no idea where to get those?

thanks!

ANSWER: I took a look at the parts diagram.  Are you referring to the pin that connects the drive shaft to the gear box (part number 34H385)?

Is it possible the hole is wore and causing the pin not to stay in?

Safety wire tools are avaiable at many auto, motorycle and aircraft supply companies.  Link:

http://www.google.com/products?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBR_enUS315US315&q=safety+wire+wrap


The link below is a cool tool that may be exactly what you need:

http://www.aerostich.com/clamptite-tool.html

However, it is pretty pricey and to be honest I have not needed to safety wire anything on mowers.

If the pin keeps coming out you may be able to find a large spring and cut the ends off so you can slide it around the shaft.  One thing I would not recommend is using a bolt...been there done that and Dad was pretty mad when he had to buy a new gear box...I was only 10 or 11 at the time.

Any chance you have the manual that describes the wire you are talking about?

Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I don't have the manual handy...but yes, that's the part. It calls for a 'wire'...no specs or anything.

The holes are pretty snug...as I have to punch out the pieces of the pin that are left (this is what happens....the pin actually breaks into several pieces)

The shaft coming out of the gear box has a little give to it, back and forth...maybe 1/8 inch. Should that be like that, or pretty firm? I thought that might be playing into it....but not sure if that is normal or not.  

Answer
The parts list showed two differenct gear boxes made from different manufactures.

Are you have trouble with the pin breaking repeatly?  I'm guessing the mower is fairly old, early 90's model?

Have you checked the message boards, antique tractor, JD tractor, JD riding mower boards?

I haven't had this problem you described but as mowers age all sorts of weird problems come up.  I wouldn't thing the gear box end play itself would be the sole cause of the problem but it could certainly be a contributor.  Do you know which gear box you have?  Are the blades balanced and all the blade shafts and bearings in good shape?  Do you feel any unusual and excessive vibration?

Let me know.
Eric