I blow off the grass around that area on my 725 Grasshopper every time I'm done mowing. It seems to collect there and I once had it get packed in pretty hard. While I'm blowing that area clean I also blow out the radiator and screen. Doesn't hurt.
To grease that front bearing I use an extra long clip on grease chuck. It makes access easier and the clip on aspect assures I get grease in the fitting