Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I purchased an older John Deere 726. The left wheel and axle assembly slides out and disengages from the drive differential. I have tightened the nut located at the wheel hub but it doesn't help. When I push the wheel and axle back into position it works fine. Anyone know how to lock the axle from sliding out? Does anyone have a service maunal for an older John Deere 726? 

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks,

Mike

Thanks AJ.

The small shaft doesn't have a small hole through it, but the large shaft (right side) that it slide into does. I would expect that it would be threaded so a set screw coud be used to lock against the small shaft. Perhaps I should tap the hole for a set screw. This however would lock the left and right wheels togther defeating the freewheeling right wheel option.

Mike

mikev wrote:

Is the small shaft clean and clear of debris in the vicinity where the hole should be?   The hole might be blocked and not visible.   

Take a very close look at the small shaft it may have been a roll pin. The small shaft should turn in the left shaft if it does not than it is rusted to the left shaft you will need to press it out clean and lube it. It must be fastened to the right shaft it is the only thing that holds it together.

AJ

Thanks very much AJ and Borat,

Your right on. I just cleaned it up and had a closer look. There was a broken shear pin in the hole on the small shaft. The small shaft is also seized to the left side shaft.

I will replace the shear pin. Any thoughts on how to free the small shaft, or should I just leave it.

Again thanks for you experience!

Mike

 

You will need to press it out with a hydraulic press. Soak it with penetrating oil first. It won't work if you don't fix it.

AJ

You can try to heat the outer tube to help release the inner shaft.  Try to concentrate the heat along the length of the outer tube so that the heat is evenly distributed.  The objective is to get the tube to expand but not the inner shaft.  Keep the torch moving.  Then try to tap the inner shaft out.   

I don't have access to a hydraulic press but I did try heating the outside shaft with a plumbers torch..... but to no avail. I think I will just leave the two shafts seized for now and perhaps have a go at it again in the summer. I am afraid I might damage the threads on the shaft.  I also don't know how much I would use this feature as you have to manual tighten/loosen  the assembly. At present the machine isn't very difficult to manoeuvre.

I was also wondering if anyone knows of an retro. kit that can be purchased to add a remote chute angle adjustment? Currently this has to be done manully by loosening a clamp, making the adjustment than tightening it again. This is one feature that would be very nice to have.

Thanks again for your suggestions and have a Merry Christmas.

Mike

Too bad about the seized parts.  Maybe you can pick up used replacement pieces and replace those parts. 

Regarding your question concerning a remote adjuster for the deflector.  Go look at some new units that use cables to adjust the deflector.  See how they have their's attached.  Maybe take some pictures of how the cables are secured at both ends and how the mechanism is attached to the deflector.  After that, start rounding up some parts.  A cable can be had for almost free at a scrap yard.  You can fabricate the brackets needed to secure it then start figuring where and how to best secure it.  Sounds like it could be a fun project.  Enjoy.

Best of the season to you and good luck.