M500 or M444 variable speed drive sheaves and pulleys

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Sherraw5101

Member
Joined
Sep 4, 2013
Messages
7
Hey guys, it's been awhile! Hope everyone's doing good this new year? I just have a question for anyone who has time to answer it! I need to purchase a drive sheave for my machine? I'm having a really hard time finding one. I need both parts ( inside and outside). Would prefer a used one. Can anyone help me out? Thank so much. You all have a great day!
 

GlennsM444

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
54
Those variable speed drive sheaves are hard to come by. I don't even think Bobcat is doing production runs on them anymore. I decided to do away with mine and switch to a snowmobile secondary clutch sheave system bolted together and fixed at one speed. I have a video on YouTube describing how I did it, just search Glenn Colassi Bobcat repower. As for spacing the sheaves, you'll need solid steel discs. Nuts and bolts, I'm afraid, just didn't cut the mustard for me. Even 1/2 inch stainless steel. The torque of that engine just tore right threw em' like twigs. I had a friend fabircate come steel discs for me and then I bolted the whole thing together, discs sandwiched in the middle, with 1/2 inch stainless bolts and lock nuts. I spaced the sheaves about 1.5 inches apart which is a little slow around the yard but easy on the crank shaft and plenty powerful. Variable speed drive is a luxury I can forgo; I'm just happy to have my piece up and running again. If you want more info just email me or contact me via the video. I'd be happy to send you some pictures or a video so you get an idea of what I'm talking about.
 

Tigerhaze

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2011
Messages
123
Just so you know I believe the early serial number 610s use the same part number for the variable speed drive sheave so that may be another option for your search. If you run out of options and are in the central U.S., I may also be willing to sell my M500 as a whole parts machine but haven't thought that through yet.
 

GlennsM444

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 9, 2013
Messages
54
Just so you know I believe the early serial number 610s use the same part number for the variable speed drive sheave so that may be another option for your search. If you run out of options and are in the central U.S., I may also be willing to sell my M500 as a whole parts machine but haven't thought that through yet.
I would have sold you mine but I left it attached to the old Onan I tore out of her last fall. I ended up selling that Onan, variable speed assembly attached, for 200 bucks. The buyer was pleased, to say the least. One thing to consider when buying a used drive sheave from one of these old Melroes is whether or not is was removed from the shaft correctly. I loosened all available bolts and still mine was frozen on. The buyer, who knows a lot about these old skids, cautioned me against trying to use too much force, as the whole sheave can get damaged. There must be some way to finesse it off. Maybe heat? PB Blaster and let her soak? Good luck, and if you decide to go my route lemme know and I'll give you all the help I can.
 
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