Troy-Bilt Tiller - Horse 1

Indiana Ken · Jan 26, 2015

I have a 1970 Horse 1, S/N 14673 that needs new bearings on the drive shaft. The shaft (approximately 24" long) runs the full length of the tiller and drives the front gearbox for the wheels and the rear tiller tines. It uses two tapered roller bearings, one at each end. Shims are used to set the end play or preload the tapered bearings.

My question is: What is the specification for the bearings? Do I shim for a slight amount of end play or are they preloaded by a few thousands?

I have found owner manuals and parts manuals on line - but no specs. Thanks for any replys.

T.R.K. · Jan 26, 2015

I had that same question on a Horse we had in the shop at work a few years ago, so I called the MTD dealer tech line. MTD bought out Garden Way to get the Troybilt line as far as I know. And most if the info on those machines disappeared with the change of ownership I guess. Or at least those knowledgeable folk were told to take a hike.

I discerned the guy I talked to knew about as much on these Horses as I did. So after that I was still on my own.

I would guess that you shim the roller bearings for a light pre-load, so there won't be much deflection of the worm gears when the gearbox is digging. don't forget to change the seal, as it is sure to leak if you don't.

Traper · Jan 27, 2015

This is old steering box preload but it works.If you can spin it with two fingers [too loose] if it takes a hard grip [too tight]if it takes a soft grip to turn it it's on the money
traper

JDemaris · Jan 27, 2015

Adjustable cup-cone bearings are just about always adjusted with .002" preload (crush). Stick with that and you cannot go wrong.

Indiana Ken · Jan 27, 2015

Thanks all, my bearings came in the mail today and I was able to get gaskets at the old dealer.....but no extra shims. Tomorrow I will put it together.

Troy-Bilt is sold by Lowe's in this area and the dealer stopped selling them when they wanted him to service the units that were sold by Lowes. The guy at the dealer was helpful and advised to set them with no play. He checked the manual which simply said, use the shims to set the bearing end play. I suspect there is another manual of work shop practices....? I have a .oo5", .010" and .030" shim to work with and if need be I can trim one of the spacers. I will shoot for a little pre-load.

Troy-Bilt Tiller - Horse 1

Indiana Ken

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T.R.K.

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Traper

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JDemaris

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Indiana Ken

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