[almostafarmer]

The variable speed sheaves are not moving for ground speed adjustment within each gear range. I assume I will need to remove the sheaves and check the spring assembly. Is there anything I should be aware of ? Is there a great deal of tension on that spring? Does it requre a special technique or tool? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[drallis]

You are assuming the hydraulic part of the equation is OK. Those lower sheaves are to be greased 2 or 3 pumps of grease every 4 hrs....if you haven't been doing that, it's probably stuck because it's dry or galled to the shaft. I guess I'd try and drive a big screwdriver in-between the lower sheaves to see if they will spread apart (or not) and if they do, keep graduating to a larger prybar and spread them apart as far as they will go(2 inches wider?) and grease it liberally. If they won't spread apart at all you might try filling the grease gun (a good gun, not a worn out one) with diesel fuel and see if you can pump in some kind of lube to free things up.

 

[almostafarmer]

Thanks for the reply. I will try to spread the sheaves apart as you described.

 

[gleanerman]

Do as drallis describes and don't worry about the spring.. it is caged in a cannister and can't get away on you.

 

[jstewart]

I've found it easiest to use wood (oak) wedges and a sledge to get them apart, just start out with a small one and work up.

 

[almostafarmer]

I was able to spread the sheaves apart with a pry bar. The grease fitting inside of the sheaves is not taking grease so I bet that is what caused the problem. Now I must get that fitting to take grease. Removed the fitting and grease will go thru it alone but not when it is screwed on the shaft. My grease gun is an old manual gun. Would a good air driven gun be better to try to free the joint up? I saw that Snap On makes a grease fitting cleaning tool I think it is an attachment for a grease gun to pump low viscosity oil into the fitting, anyone have experince with this tool?