Cheap Darn Front Wheels!!!

OKnewguy · Jul 16, 2007

Hey gang, I have a problem. My el-cheapo Bolens mower keeps wearing out the front wheels. It all started when we got 5 acres (cut about 3 of it) and purchased this mower. At the time I did not know that this much land would beat this thing into the ground. The stock design used plastic bushings between the spindle and the hub, I would go thru numerous sets in a summer. Last year I was extremely busy with work and the mower did not get any attention and the problem became worse. The stock hubs wore thru the plastic bushing and started to eat into the spindle. So this year I purchase some new wheels with ball bearings (mail order) and they did not have any kind of grease zert, they look like something that would be on a lawn tractor cart. Anyway, I cut off the old spindles (they were chewed up pretty well) and welded some new ones on right below. I thought I was going to fix my problem because I now had ball bearings, WRONG! Today I got about halfway thru mowing and noticed one of them bouncing around on the hub, the bearings are gone. Does anyone have any suggestions on fixing this better?? BTW, I plan on getting a ztr on the next few years after we get all of the grading and hardscape done.
Thanks, Dave

OKnewguy · Jul 16, 2007

I was thinking about something from one of these websites.
Surplus Center
Snapper Wheel Assemblies, Caster Wheels & Hubs

Thanks for any input!
Dave

irwin · Jul 16, 2007

Hi Dave:
Well, you weld so that's a big step in the right direction. I'd think you'd be able to get a hub and spindle assembly made for sears (craftsman) that has a grease zerk you could attach.. just a thought.....good luck

( of course if it's HEAVY DUTY may not need a zerk?)

tommu56 · Jul 17, 2007

First were the bearings you put in sealed?

I think i would get sealed bearings remove the inner seal on both bearings
drill and tap a hole between the bearings in the hub of the wheel and install greese fitting.
Put the shebang back togeather and grease it gently till a little grease come's out the bearing and then one pump every time you mow will keep the dirt and grass out.

tom

OKnewguy · Jul 17, 2007

Thanks guys, some good ideas. I need to see if I can remove what is left of the bearing and see if it is replaceable with another. I had not thought of installing a zert to push/keep the dust out. And I have thought about upgrading to a better name mower wheel too.
Thanks, Dave

OKnewguy · Jul 19, 2007

Thanks guys, I was able to find a bearing local. They only had one, so I have 3 more on order. I went ahead and drilled and set a couple of zerts too. I think that using better bearings and then using a bunch of grease to constantly push out the crud will work great.
Thanks, Dave

andrewj · Jul 22, 2007

is it zerk or zert? sorry for the hijack...I guess I am really a jert.

OKnewguy · Jul 28, 2007

Zerk, my bad.
Dave

ikymojoe · Aug 19, 2007

One place you might want to try is Motion Industries.

https://www.motionindustries.com/motion3/jsp/mi/index.jsp

They can usually match any wheel bearing made with a better one. You might want to take your wheel to the place and they usually can match it up.

Sincerely,

Ikymojoe

OKnewguy · Aug 20, 2007

Thanks for the link! I already have the new bearings but will includes this in my favorites, it never hurts to have other avenues for parts.
Thanks, Dave