Kaitsu1966 1 #1 Posted August 16, 2023 Hi everyone. I just bought my first Wheel Horse, a 227-5 or more specific R2-17K502. While the tractor is more than 30 years old, it needs some restoration. The biggest issue so far are the front wheel axles. As there are no actual bearings, the axles are pretty much worn out. How have you solved the problem? Should I cut the old axle and weld a new one of suitable material? I'd rather not do that because I fear that there's going to be a weak spot in the welding area, but then again don't know what else to do.. Thanks for all comments 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sparky-(Admin) 21,318 #2 Posted August 16, 2023 Over here in the states we would just source out a nice used set of front spindles. Rather than cut off the axle portion could the worn areas be filed with weld and ground back to “round”. I’m not a welder, someone will come along and be able to verify if my idea is any good. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gasaholic 224 #3 Posted August 16, 2023 2 minutes ago, Sparky said: Over here in the states we would just source out a nice used set of front spindles. Rather than cut off the axle portion could the worn areas be filed with weld and ground back to “round”. I’m not a welder, someone will come along and be able to verify if my idea is any good. We have done that a time or two at the shop I worked at. If you can get a good welder and a smooth polished surface for oilite bushings, alternatively the polish won't matter if you can convert the wheels to use ball bearings. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaitsu1966 1 #4 Posted August 16, 2023 Thanks for the ideas. Maybe I try to install ball bearings if only I can find suitable sizes, but the weld-filling has to be done in any case to get the axles round and smooth. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,327 #5 Posted August 16, 2023 Welcome!! Yup, that is worn out!! Once the spindle is welded up and restored as best to size, switch over to ball bearings. My son is the TIG welder in the family, he welded up a 502 spindle for me, using a tungsten bronze filler rod. Nowhere as bad as yours..... 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,121 #7 Posted August 16, 2023 Find some 3/4" (19.05mm for you nordic folks) round stock. slice off the bad and weld on the new. There's gotta be a shop over there that can do this if you can't do it yourself 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,577 #8 Posted August 16, 2023 Any vendors on here that will ship overseas??? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeepdan 321 #9 Posted August 16, 2023 Wow, don't you have grease over there? 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wheel-N-It 2,969 #10 Posted August 17, 2023 My idea would be to buy 2 new hubs with bearings, and have someone weld them on. Then buy the appropriate wheel and tire combination and have front wheels that bolt on like your rear wheels. Here in the States we normally would buy a used part to replace the worn part, I would not think you have that as an option in Finland. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kaitsu1966 1 #11 Posted August 17, 2023 1 hour ago, Wheel-N-It said: Here in the States we normally would buy a used part to replace the worn part, I would not think you have that as an option in Finland. There are not that many Wheel Horses here, I guess other brands were more popular. I've seen a few of them over the years though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,902 #12 Posted August 17, 2023 That model isn’t as compatible as others here. I’d go for a weldable spindle one way or another… whether 3/4” (19mm) or larger with a different bearing set. If you go larger, you could bore the new spindle on the back and slide it over for welding. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,307 #13 Posted August 17, 2023 (edited) We recently had another thread about the same thing. Grease is cheap. Edited August 17, 2023 by lynnmor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,663 #14 Posted August 17, 2023 Mine is over kill for a garden tractor, but wasn't too expensive back in 1989 when I did it. The bearing worked loose in the wheel and destroyed my spindle. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,631 #15 Posted August 17, 2023 @Lee1977 adapting to anything is the way to go . once you start that mental view , and practice it , there is always an idea that works , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cod 120 #16 Posted August 17, 2023 Not an expert but could you find a sleeve you could press on over the axle? Might have to modify the front wheel hubs to install a bearing or sleeve/bushing to match. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,663 #17 Posted August 17, 2023 I believe Stormin used spindles and wheels off one of those old motor scooter. Some of them were one sides with bolt on wheels. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wild Bill 633 846 #18 Posted August 18, 2023 New RH spindle P/N 115430, $66.51 & LH spindle P/N 115429, $74.86 from SEPW. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
