STUCK WHEEL

jpfabricator

jpfabricator

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I have a craftsman tiller that the wheels are frozen on to the axele shafts. I have tried soaking it with penitrating oil for 2 weeks, then smacking it with a big hammer. So far no luck, I know I can put the fire to it, but I am reluctant to because the axele rides on nylon bushings (Im afraid they will melt). Does anyone have a suggestion???
 
Are you saying that you have a tiller with metal wheels?? As in steel centers wrapped in hard plastic tires?? Wow, last I knew they went to plastic wheels a LONG time ago.

If my first assumption is correct, that machine is old enough that the wheels probably ride on bronze bushings. I know because I've got one. It's Garden Mark (Montgomery Ward) instead of Craftsman but it is almost as old as I am. My dad bought it new in about 1961 or 62. Anyway, I suppose it is possible that they manufactured them for a time with steel wheel centers and nylon bushings. Either way I would continue with the penetrating oil method a little longer before getting too rough with it. On the other hand, if the bushings are nylon, and you utilize some heat and destroy them in the process, new ones are pretty simple to make.
 
Its a rear tine unit, around 20 years old. The wheels are steel that are supposed to be pinned with a rollpin. The case halves need to be split, and one of the wheels have to be removed for this to happen. I am going to put my puller on it and leave it in tension for another week. I have been using Blaster, But if any one else has a suggestion on a good p-spray, Im willing to try it. Thanks in advance.
 
Upon further inspection, The unit seems to be the same as a late model Poulan that Tractor supply has, so replacement parts are porobably not going to be hard to find. I may have to bite the bullet and break out the gas axe.
 
I had the same problem with my Craftsman tiller. There's nothing to grab with a puller so I made a part to slip over the wheel hub with holes in the side for dowel pins to slip into the roll pin holes. It also was tapped for the 5/8"-18 rod from a puller. I did have to use the torch also. When I get out to the shop later I'll see if I can find it to post some pictures.
 
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