A-C C belly mount mower

On my A-C Model C belly mount mower, the one-inch-diameter shaft that holds the part (I'll call it the linkage) with the nipples to which the pitman rod attaches has come out of the flywheel that transmits power from the PTO at tractor rear. I'm told that I'll need to have someone weld the one-inch shaft back into the hole in the flywheel, which means welding steel to cast iron. However, I cannot remove the flywheel from the long shaft that transmits the power. There is a pin of some sort - not a bolt - holding the flywheel on. Can anyone tell me how I can remove that pin and detach the flywheel. Alternately, is it possible to buy the flywheel with the linkage attached? If so, what would the part(s) be called? The photo shows the flywheel pin (center right) and the linkage (low center) with the end of the one-inch shaft pushed part way into the flywheel.

The flywheel is called a "pitman drive wheel" and the shaft that is loose is called a "pitman bearing shaft". The shaft is normally a press fit in the wheel. Hopefully you have not run the mower much since the shaft came loose and it has not had a chance to wear on the hole in the drive wheel. Assuming it is still a reasonably snug fit and is just loose, I'd approach a repair using green Loctite. It used to be called "stud and bearing mount" and is used to restore press fits and loose bearing races. I'm not sure of the current designation but it is green in color. You need to have the area squeaky-clean on both the shaft and the wheel. Then do a final cleaning using the Loctite cleaning solvent, then the appropriate Loctite primer and then the Loctite itself. I would not try and disturb the wheel from the main drive shaft, so do this in place.

This is a fairly easy way to try a fix and has a good chance of success. If it fails, you can always go the welding route later but I'd start with the Loctite since any welding in place will not be easy due to restricted access to the back side of the wheel.

Another possibility if the hole in the wheel is not worn oblong, is to insert the shaft the correct depth and drill radially for a retaining pin/set screw.

If, however there is any noticeable slop in the wheel hole, I wouldn't put much faith in any quick fix lasting long at all. In that instance, removal of the wheel from the main shaft, boring the hole oversize and installing a custom built, stepped diameter shaft, pressed in place would be the best course of action.

I doubt you will be able to find any NOS replacement part. The wheel and the shaft were only available as single assembly. Even if you could find a NOS replacement, it could cost more than an entire used mower assembly with a serviceable wheel/shaft assembly.

Rod

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