T-20 skid steer seal

[Mike]

I have a large seal on one of the output shafts of my T20 that is leaking pretty badly. Do any of you know if there is a way to replace it without tearing apart the complete assembly. I didn't know if it was possible to remove the output shaft with the transmission still in tact?

[George]

Mike,

There is a snap ring (the one that people tend to loose when trying to remove it by popping it with 2 screwdrivers) that holds the center plate to the shaft.

I'm pretty sure the only way to get the shaft out is to split the tranny in half and pop the ring off.

Sorry man.

[hydromike]

Ha! You think that little snap ring is a PITA? Oh baby...
George is 100% right. You do need to split the tranny in half, but on top of that, you need to take the worlds most difficult-to-reach snap ring off in order to remove the output shaft. I've only had to do it once (thank God), and I guess in hindsight it wasn't THAT bad. It's not a technically difficult task; it's just not the most fun, and is just labor intensive in my opinion. Look on the bright side; you have automatic chain oilers!

Good luck with it. It's pretty clear what needs to happen once you look down the inside of the case at the output shaft.

~m

[Mike]

Thanks guys, that's what I was afraid of but I didn't want to tear it apart until I knew for sure.

For a while I thought the oil that I squirt on the chains was what I was seeing in the tub but it is progressively getting worse and I can now see where it is coming from.

I do like the chain oiler idea though Mike. Perhaps a new how-to article is in order?

[whipper-ag]

Ha! You think that little snap ring is a PITA? Oh baby...
George is 100% right. You do need to split the tranny in half, but on top of that, you need to take the worlds most difficult-to-reach snap ring off in order to remove the output shaft. I've only had to do it once (thank God), and I guess in hindsight it wasn't THAT bad. It's not a technically difficult task; it's just not the most fun, and is just labor intensive in my opinion. Look on the bright side; you have automatic chain oilers!

Good luck with it. It's pretty clear what needs to happen once you look down the inside of the case at the output shaft.

~m

This is the worst snap ring ever. Don't even wast your time trying, buy some snap ring pliers. Harbor Freight had a cheap kit for something like $8.00. Made that worst snap ring a cake walk.

Whipper

[Mike]

I've got some of those pliers and they do make your life easier. I was rebuilding a hydraulic motor for my zero turn mower and had to use them several times.

[westkymaxiv]

I bought my max used .. was advertised as great condition. When I got it shipped to me the tranny was shot. That seal had leaked the oil out and he had destroyed the bands and drums. That lock ring is the worst I ever encountered. Good Luck. ITs definaetly time to pull the tranny before you do more damage.

[Mike]

Yeah, it's more of a nuisance than anything right now as it just leaks out a little. I clean the tub down after every ride, tighten chains if needed, and always check the fluid so I shouldn't have any issues other than a messy tub for now.

I have had the trans apart before to change a brake drum and band that had failed but that was several years ago. Looks like the perfect opportunity to take some more pictures