Gday
Long story short, I tasked a local machine shop to knock up a new shaft out of 4140 with standard keyways etc and bore out the gear and fit a bronze bush. Twelve months later, they still hadn't done it so I gave it to Dad who has access to lathes and he had the job completed.
The transaxle was regreased and put back together. I found out that at some stage, the transaxle was pulled apart and put together incorrectly which meant that it no high range. This was fixed(I found a diagram on the www) and now the mower drives!!
The cutting deck has two knackered spindles that will be replaced. The bearings collapsed whilst giving it a test run. This gave my lawn an awful fright with chunks and high/low grooves everywhere.
Whole spindle assemblies have been sourced in the US and should arrive for under $120 delivered. I'm also going to replace the little wheels that roll beneath the deck as their bearings have also collapsed.
The motor goes well and is easy to start. I'm pretty happy with what was a freeby.
I'll post some photos when all is done..
Mark
