gp2 4 #1 Posted July 3, 2016 I have this SK-486 with 16 HP Kohler. I noticed gap between rear end and wheel. I have no manual but am in the market for one. In the meantime, anyone know how I can fix this? Thanks. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAinVA 4,629 #2 Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) gp2, There are lock screws in each hub that keep them secured to the axles.It looks like the right side needs attention also.The axle should not be sticking that far out.Raise the rear of the tractor and loosen the lock nuts and screws.Slide the wheel so that the axle is flush with the face of the hub.Retighten the screws and lock nuts. Luck,JAinVA Edited July 3, 2016 by JAinVA 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar250 919 #3 Posted July 3, 2016 (edited) Some of the early tractors, they are supposed to be flush, but on the later ones, they are not supposed to be flush, so that axle looks okay to me, that gap is supposed to be there. what JAinVA is saying is also true, the right hub from the side picture looks like more of an issue, because of how it is sticking out past the hub on the outside of the wheel. If they are flush together, it may damage/grind down the metal of the hub/transmission case, and or damage the seals. This is an easy fix, if you can take the wheel off, and if you have a small puller, you can just inch the hub to the end of the axle, and all should be well again! Enjoy the Tractor! Edited July 3, 2016 by stratostar250 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gp2 4 #4 Posted July 3, 2016 Thanks for both replies. The information gives me something to work with. I inherited the wheelhorse from my father-in-law, who thought well of the tractor...I want to make sure I take care of it to best of my ability. Any advice on manual for this one. I was on ebay and there are too many to sort through, especially since I am unsure what to look for. I know it is an 8-speed (3 forward + reverse with high and low range). I also know it is 16 hp with 42-inch deck. Thanks, all. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,955 #5 Posted July 3, 2016 Here is a link to a SK-486 manual. Check the "Manuals" Section on the main page if this one is not the year you have. Actually, in your picture above, it looks like the set screw and lock nut are on top of the hub under the grass and grime. Loosen the 9/16" lock nut first, then the set screw...move the hub so that the hub is flush with the outside end of the axle. Tighten in reverse order. The reason they are flush is because the width of the turf tires, that would be put on at the factory, will not rub the fenders. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar250 919 #6 Posted July 3, 2016 Finding the actual manual may be kind of tough, because the SK-486 and SB-421 were a one year only tractor, and they were both made up of "left over" parts. Not to say they weren't as good of a tractor or anything, because that is not true, they are both amazing tractors, the SK-486 meant "Special Kohler, 48" deck, 16hp" and the SB-421 meant "Special Briggs-42" deck, 11hp" I'd say you have the better of the two tractors as well! that single cylinder Kohler 16hp is well sought after. I noticed that the original owners manual isn't available here, it has not been uploaded, what @stevasaurus sent you will for sure show you about the transmission and electricals, I would say that your tractor is most similar to the late C-160 8 speed, which would be literally almost the same exact tractor, 16hp kohler, 8 speed tranny, here is a link to that tractors owners manual, and that should help you out. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,955 #7 Posted July 3, 2016 Thanks Tom...a lot of stuff you said there I did not know. I just hate learning something new every day. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar250 919 #8 Posted July 3, 2016 18 minutes ago, stevasaurus said: Thanks Tom...a lot of stuff you said there I did not know. I just hate learning something new every day. I know @stevasaurus, learning is the worst. and @gp2 I know you mentioned that your deck is a 42". It may have been replaced with a 42". I'm pretty sure they were outfitted and sold with the 48, I mean, I could be wrong, but who knows. haha 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gp2 4 #9 Posted July 3, 2016 Thanks for directing me to the manuals. I was looking for the serial number, which I could not find. I had no trouble finding the Kohler model K341AS and SN. But not so for the tractor. Any thoughts to where I can look. I would like to confirm the date it was manufactured. Also, I assumed a 42" deck...I'm headed out now to measure...It is a 48". Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stratostar250 919 #10 Posted July 3, 2016 the tractor serial plate on those models was normally under the dash, above your amp meter, and that looks like a 48" to me! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
roadapples 6,983 #11 Posted July 3, 2016 Nice tractor, and Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gp2 4 #12 Posted July 3, 2016 Thank you for the welcome. Glad to be part of the community. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,955 #13 Posted July 3, 2016 With the link that I posted and with what Stratostar250 said...it is a 1982. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
