porlife00 0 #1 Posted June 24, 2013 Well I ended up destroying an axle hub one day out working in the yard on my repowered 16hp B&S B-80 as well as damaging the woodruff keyway on the axle shaft itself. While looking for a replacement hub and planning my attack on repairing this transaxle I came across a C-120 with a mower deck and picked it up for $100. I have been looking for the larger 8 speed transaxle to slap on my B-80 for some time but now that I got the C-120 I plan on restoring it and giving the B-80 to the pops. The B-80's primary objective will be pushing a snow blade and towing around a trailer which brings up the issue with the transaxle. The transaxle's hitch pin slot is cracked off on one side. At first I was going to fab up a piece and weld it in but its in the worst possible spot. Im a welder by trade and understand the issues with cast iron but just don't really want to dive into that mess at this current time. My question is has anybody seen this happen before and do you think it will still pull a heavy trailer without snapping off the other side? Here are some pics of the axle damage, hub, repair and new C-120! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,632 #2 Posted June 24, 2013 As for the axle repair... I had the exact same issue and took it to a shop that used an end mill to plunge a 1/4" slot on the other side of the axle. What you've done looks good too. Inasmuch as you are using a 16hp engine with that 4-speed trans, I think you can expect future breakdowns of the trans...expecially one that has been to the ER before. As to whether you can successfully weld the split case.....good luck with that. I probably have a replacement case side (Rt side) if you would rather go that way. $35 for it, plus ship charges to you (heavy). The 8 speed trans has 1.125" axles and a more robust differential as well. These hold up well to the bigger engines. If you are wanting a replacement 4 speed, I have a good one from a B-80 for $100 bux. If you want an 8-speed, I have one from a B-100 that ought to suit your needs for $140. I also have a replacement hub like the one you broke...$25 + $10 to ship it. I can ship these gear boxes, but that can be pricey. I am in n/w PA at zip 16433 (80 miles north of PGH). Dave ps...my email is: daveoman@windstream.net 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #3 Posted June 25, 2013 Your axle repair looks good! Personally I am not a fan of cutting another keyway in the shaft, I think it leaves too little steel between the two keyways to be strong enough. I would much rather see the keyway get widened for a larger key, or a weld repair just like what you have done. As for the hitch pin problem - who knows? At least you still have the thicker side of the casting intact. I'd probably be comfortable towing a little trailer around with that, but you said heavy trailer - how heavy?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porlife00 0 #4 Posted June 28, 2013 My plan is to remove the 12hp from the c-120 and put the 16hp on and rebuild the 12 for the B-80. I eventually when I get some free time want to build a FEL, 3-pt hitch, box blade for the c-120 and have that as a dedicated loader tractor. I agree on plunging a new keyway would be removing too much material from the axle and that is why I went this route. I just resurfaced it and had a buddy mill it back to spec. Daveoman sending you an email about the case. Thanks! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 52,161 #5 Posted June 28, 2013 Great axle repair! A couple of days back I saw a 2" hitch receiver someone fabricated that hooked up to the rear axle housing like a snow plow bracket set up. If I can find it I'll post it here, you could fabricate one yourself being a welder. I don't think I would mess with the old hitch, needs to be lined up just so or you won't be able to get the pin in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
