Finding a spindle for my older zero turn

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Oct 28, 2024
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IN
Recently acquired a Dixon Ram 44. Unit is older than me and with the company being bought & killed they don’t make parts anymore! The only writing I can find on the spindle is 7383 3AF. I have the spindle torn apart (given to me that way) but the hub is basically ruined. Retrofit something new? Try other parts? Id like this zero turn to cut if possible but i cant drop $180 on a NOS spindle that idk if it’ll fit
 
Can you knock out and replace the bearings in the spindle? Pics would help.

P.S. if one spindle is bad, the others are probably not far behind.
If you can't find three or it's too expensive, or not possible to knock out and replace the bearings, junk it rather than sink money into it
 
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Can you knock out and replace the bearings in the spindle? Pics would help.

P.S. if one spindle is bad, the others are probably not far behind.
If you can't find three or it's too expensive, or not possible to knock out and replace the bearings, junk it rather than sink money into it
The hub I have has one bearing pressed out, 2nd one halfway and both are absolutely mauled. Later today I’ll post a pic of the hub damage but if I can at least get this centre spindle repaired/replaced I’ll do bearings on the other two. The bottom of the hub has a crack in it
 
The mower looks to be in good shape gauging from the pics in the other post .
I know nothing about the Dixon brand ! is it possible to swap complete decks from another mower ?
 
Recently acquired a Dixon Ram 44. Unit is older than me and with the company being bought & killed they don’t make parts anymore! The only writing I can find on the spindle is 7383 3AF. I have the spindle torn apart (given to me that way) but the hub is basically ruined. Retrofit something new? Try other parts? Id like this zero turn to cut if possible but i cant drop $180 on a NOS spindle that idk if it’ll fit
https://www.jackssmallengines.com/Products/DIXON/Spindles/s
start here, match up by appearance?
 
Recently acquired a Dixon Ram 44. Unit is older than me and with the company being bought & killed they don’t make parts anymore! The only writing I can find on the spindle is 7383 3AF. I have the spindle torn apart (given to me that way) but the hub is basically ruined. Retrofit something new? Try other parts? Id like this zero turn to cut if possible but i cant drop $180 on a NOS spindle that idk if it’ll fit
Looks like PartsTree and Jacks small engines carries parts for reasonable prices. Husqvarna purchased Dixon in 2005 and wound them down in 2014 so they still may manufacturer or carry parts.
 
Whole load of pictures. If the hub damage isn’t an issue I can try to source some bearings and hopefully use it. If not then other pics included. On Jacksmallengines the most similar looking one is the bottom Oregon one

IMG_0458.webp


IMG_0459.webp


IMG_0460.webp


IMG_0461.webp


IMG_0462.webp


IMG_0463.webp
 
I found spindles on ebay but they are $180.

Maybe take what you have to a major ope dealer and see if you could cobble up spindles from a toro, exmark, deere etc. But you also have to deal with the pulley fitment too.

I really would not sink money into this.
 
I found spindles on ebay but they are $180.

Maybe take what you have to a major ope dealer and see if you could cobble up spindles from a toro, exmark, deere etc. But you also have to deal with the pulley fitment too.

I really would not sink money into this.
Any chance the hub can be saved? I don’t have a whole lot of money but as of now I have lots of time.
 
If a new bearing fits snugly enough in the bottom position I would run that one. Maybe with some sleeve retainer. Clean it up and see what is actually there. How old is yours? 8Ten parts had replacement spindles for my Wheel Horse at a reasonable price. Oddly enough we just had a Dixon come through the shop with a beat up Kohler Courage Pro on it.
 
Looks like PartsTree and Jacks small engines carries parts for reasonable prices. Husqvarna purchased Dixon in 2005 and wound them down in 2014 so they still may manufacturer or carry parts.
Husqvarna is well know for not supporting legacy parts. I would assume they have killed it long ago. Someone earlier suggested rebuilding the old spindles by replacing the ball bearings. Maybe add some set screws to hold the out race from spinning.????That may be the best approach less finding some reasonable NOS. Talking to people as earlier suggested. When one dealer or parts supplier closes the door on you, ask for some suggestions as who else you can turn to, even if a long shot........ and keep going. It is too bad if you have to scrap a good working machine because a common wear item is no longer available.
 
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I found spindles on ebay but they are $180.

Maybe take what you have to a major ope dealer and see if you could cobble up spindles from a toro, exmark, deere etc. But you also have to deal with the pulley fitment too.

I really would not sink money into this.
without seeing the machine it is hard to say if a $180 investment is worth it or not. It is a judgement call with many factors to consider. It is not black or white. With the Tariffs soon kicking in, more so than before it may make a lot of sense. But it is a big picture judgement call based on what the owners other viable options may be. Weather that is buying a new or use machine to meet his immediate needs. Hard to advise in detail over the internet. Only the OP can make the best rational call for him and his situation. So often people will scrap something solely based on age. That can be a foolish mistake in many cases.
 
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