Kenneth R Cluley 515 #1 Posted March 30, 2022 Finally got around to the deck for my 653. Pretty rough, obviously didn't prescribe to Peter Lena method of lubrication and preservation. Or any method by looks of it. Well on to welding, patching, fabricating, cleaning, painting, etc. etc., oh yes and lubricating with sticky grease. Spindles and gears seem okay. Tube on frame is broken where lock ring groove slot was cut so i have a plan for that update. Going to use straight shaft and set screw collars for retention. I have a lathe and could cut the grooves, but I think this would be stronger. May get another ten years or so outa this thing after all. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,588 #2 Posted March 30, 2022 @Kenneth R Cluley looks like an interesting unit , those oil gear drivers , were the unit of their time, use a grease that will stay on those gears , lucas x tra heavy duty , anti sling hi temp polyurea rated , in every bearing and open gear , personally would lubrication soak that down to save and retain what's there , good luck with it , pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,040 #3 Posted March 30, 2022 I don't see any rags on the bench! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,295 #4 Posted March 31, 2022 @Kenneth R Cluley - check the cast iron plate that mounts the spindles for cracks - judging by the thumps & bumps in the deck shell it may have issues. Also check the condition of the 2 ball bearings on the PTO pulley - easy to replace if needed. I went thru my RM-366 a few years back, still works fine. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHNJ701 4,165 #5 Posted March 31, 2022 My old property I used the 854 with the 36". Used to cut the small field with it. The key to nice cut was 2nd gear and dry grass. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites