Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

General help and support for your Lindeman through 2010 John Deere crawler
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notmeu
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by notmeu » Mon Mar 19, 2018 10:33 am

The metal tubing that goes to the center of the right side cover it for the clutch. The metal tubing that goes to the upper part of the winch is the brake cylinder. Now I am going off of memory when I rebuilt mine a couple years ago but the winch can run with the right side cover off, not under any winch load. I did this to properly adjust the 3 clutch screws because I was having issues with the published manuals recommended way to set the clutch bands. You can do this as long as you do not have any winch cable installed. There is nothing to stop the winch from spinning except to disengage the pto drive which is by your gear shifter.
1956 JD420, gearmatic 8a winch, custom 6 way blade and FOPS.

Fj60
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Fj60 » Wed Mar 21, 2018 4:36 pm

Thanks! Yes I'll keep you posted, it will be slow, as it is at my property 3hrs from home. I've got some gravel to push, then spend some time with winch. Just want to go over everything, hopefully by next fall I'll be confident with her.....

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Paul Buhler
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Paul Buhler » Mon Mar 26, 2018 3:34 pm

Hi guys: Some thoughts.
Be careful taking the clutch /brake housing cover off; it's cast iron and can crack. I used small wooden wedges, a rubber mallet, the jacking screws, and patience to get mine off the first time. I didn't unscrew the center bearing housing at that time. The cover eventually slipped off the big bearing. I also hung the cover by a bungee cord so it wouldn't fall to the ground when it came off the bearing.

There is a "U cup" seal behind the cover that keeps the clutch fluid where it belongs reaching the slave while the clutch spins. New ones are available, cheap, and they are important! If it leaks, brake fluid can find its way onto the clutch and brake bands making them slip - not a good situation.

My winch controller has worn splines at the handle. I chose to put some 60 grit sand paper between the handle and shaft to build up the friction and keep the handle from spinning. So far it's working as I hoped.

Good luck. My winch serves me very well. Paul
Paul Buhler
Killington, VT
420c 5 roll with 62 blade, FOPS, and Gearmatic 8a winch

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notmeu
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by notmeu » Thu Mar 29, 2018 12:12 pm

I had purchased a new aftermarket controller handle online that was listed to go in the latest controller it is the same shape and dimensions as the old controllers from back in the 1950’s.
1956 JD420, gearmatic 8a winch, custom 6 way blade and FOPS.

Mtbxdrew
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Mtbxdrew » Mon May 21, 2018 3:54 pm

Did you remove the drum during your rebuild? I am trying to remove the drum on mine to no avail, the inner bearing is toast, I have the jacking bolts as tight as I dare, been soaking it in penetrating oil for 6months

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Paul Buhler
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Paul Buhler » Mon May 21, 2018 8:05 pm

Hi: PM notmeu, he built his winch from two and took them completely apart. He may have some insights to share. Good luck. Paul
Paul Buhler
Killington, VT
420c 5 roll with 62 blade, FOPS, and Gearmatic 8a winch

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Lavoy
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Lavoy » Tue May 22, 2018 7:34 am

Vibration with an air hammer will usually get things moving.
Lavoy
Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
Owner and moderator www.jdcrawlers.com

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notmeu
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by notmeu » Sun May 27, 2018 8:02 pm

Houdy folks! Ahh removal of the dreaded drum, That part of the rebuild took me a couple days to figure out! I ended up using a rosebud torch, jack bolts, pry bars, PB plaster and a couple curse words and it finally came out. I must say that was the worse part of rebuilding a 8a. Heat helped out the most though, I don’t think I would of got the drum out without it! Don’t give up!!
1956 JD420, gearmatic 8a winch, custom 6 way blade and FOPS.

Mtbxdrew
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Mtbxdrew » Mon Jun 04, 2018 5:36 pm

I got it off and everything put back together and working like new, into the rebuild approx 300 dollars

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Paul Buhler
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Re: Gearmatic 8a Winch/Controller Rebuild

Post by Paul Buhler » Wed Jun 06, 2018 7:54 pm

Congrats. Any pictures of your efforts available for posting?
Paul Buhler
Killington, VT
420c 5 roll with 62 blade, FOPS, and Gearmatic 8a winch

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