Help on some needle bearings for an old Tiller

[geomagno]

Repainting an old tiller from a deceased family member - it may be a Merry Tiller or one similar. Has the old 3 HP Briggs motor.
When opening the gear box I found it missing several needle bearings. Can these be bought loose? I only see them set in a race.

 

[5ubtle]

It's probably time for you to spurge on a "whole" bearing.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

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[The Cobbler]

I agree on an entire new bearing. but I doubt this thing will be used much at all, perhaps a bronze bushing would be able to be sourced cheaper .

 

[geomagno]

I agree on an entire new bearing. but I doubt this thing will be used much at all, perhaps a bronze bushing would be able to be sourced cheaper .Hard to say if it's worth it but sometimes we fix things because we want to, not because it's the most rational thing.

All true. This tiller belonged to my wife's granddad and it means a lot to her, which is why it's in pieces on my workbench getting sanded, primed, and painted. I would have been fine buying a newer used one but, again, I'm married.

 

[geomagno]

It's probably time for you to spurge on a "whole" bearing.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

I'll try to figure out the measurements on a whole bearing. Can't imagine me getting it right on the first try.

 

[alfadan]

I can't see the seperation between bearing and arm. Is the race welded in? I can't see how they would have welded the race without fugging it up. They should be removable bearings and a nominal size if so.

 

[LopezBart]

Looks like those bearings press out: https://www.scribd.com/document/93545132/Merry-Tiller-Manual

Parts appear to be available; google Merry Tiller bearings....

 

[geomagno]

Looks like those bearings press out: https://www.scribd.com/document/93545132/Merry-Tiller-Manual

Parts appear to be available; google Merry Tiller bearings....

That's what I thought too. I have a manual similar to that one; I tried to press and the case started to bend. Even if this is some low-production off-brand, I would think they would all use the same design/parts.

 

[humber2]

If the existing needles are sound I’d be tempted to cut some HSS drill shanks for the few needed.

YMMV

 

[geomagno]

If the existing needles are sound I’d be tempted to cut some HSS drill shanks for the few needed.

YMMV

That's a good workaround. Thanks for the tip.