Just got a 3206 !

[Steve62]

Hi, this is my first post here and my first Cub Cadet.

I replaced my John Deere LT150 with the 3206 and man, what a difference ! Really happy with the 3206. It has the cast iron rear end, Kohler Command CH22S and 3 point. Also the 54" deck.

I have a few questions I need some help with please...

The deck spindles have some play in all 3, do these have tapered roller bearings that the preload can be adjusted ?

And, should I open, drain and refill the right angle shaft drive gearbox ?

Thanks for any help,

Steve

[Oak]

Welcome to the 3k club!

Nice machine and you got the cat 0 too. Be careful with the diff-lock on how you use it.

Your deck should have the tapered roller bearings but I don't know which 54" you have. The model 290 is a great deck.

If you want the best bearings get some Timken "set 2"($10 each) or O'Reileys has some house brand for about $5 each. Ebay has some low priced ones too.

Preload is set by a spacer on the inside.

Here are the seals needed.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/6PK-CUB-CAD...QAAOxye5BRExXF

Yes, change the oil in the gear box. I think I used 85w90 but let me verify that first.

Got any pics of it?

[Steve62]

Thanks ! I'm sure it's the 290 deck, same as seen HERE

I just removed one spindle this evening. I've found the operators manual, the service manual and the Kohler Command service manual and I'm going to have them printed and spiral bound at Staples. But I can't find a service manual for the 290 deck, is there one ?

I also removed the shaft gearbox and will change the oil in it. Thanks too for the seals link, I'll order those tonight.

Can you please explain how to change the preload regarding the spacers ?

I'll post some pics shortly.

[CubDieselFan]

You do not change the preload. It is set by the spacers.

[Steve62]

So the only way to get rid of the "play" is to replace the bearings ?

I thought with tapered bearings the preload could be adjusted, like on a trailer wheel hub.

Thanks for the PM too !

[Oak]

CDF is correct, there is no adjustment.

I did purchase some aftermarket spindles once and I had to adjusted the play in them with some shims because they were too loose. OEM ones are usually spot on.

[Steve62]

OK, thanks to both of you ! I'll have a couple more questions I need advice on but here's a few pics. I noticed the cooling fins on the pump were full of dirt as were the inside of the frame rails, etc. so I took off the body panels and pressure washed everything while being careful not to over do it.

I plan to sandblast all the panels, prime and re spray them. Not with a rattle can though.

I saw a post somewhere that someone had a guy who had remade all the series 3000 decals, I need to find that again.

[Dirty Steve]

Good looking tractor! Congrats!!!

[Steve62]

Thanks ! I'm really impressed with how strong this CC is and love the hydraulic 3 point hitch. I already used it with a landscape rake to clean up thick leaves in the back yard.

My next issue with it is what appears to be a leaking axle seal on the left rear. I found THIS thread where Oak shows the correct seals. Can this seal be replaced by just removing the hub ?

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by Steve62

Can this seal be replaced by just removing the hub ?

Well, with the hub removed, the seal is staring you in the face. Do you think it can be changed by just removing the hub?