Rear Finish Mower King Kutter RFM Bearings

[dangier_VA]

Has anyone else had problems with the King Kutter 60" idler pulley bearings? I have had to replace most of the bearings/idler pulleys in about 40 operating hours a couple of times. The last set is about a year old and I lost one bearing yesterday. This mower is about four years old. With the expense of the pulley/bearing assemblys, I have taken to drilling out the welds and replacing the bearings themselves, then bolting the pulleys back together. TS has the new bearings (#203KRR-2), for about $8.00. Just wondering....
David

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I've had mine about 10 yrs, never had to replace them. Have replaced at least each blade spindle unit once.

 

[xlr82v2]

My KK is on it's 8th season (mowing 5 1/2 acres each week, which is approximately 800 hours, give or take), and I haven't replaced any of the idlers yet. I did have to replace one spindle though.

You might look at McMaster-Carr and see if you can match up what you need. Or, Call King Kutter and tell them of your problems, maybe they can suggest something for you to try. I've had good luck ordering direct from KK.

 

[rwblessi]

The idler and spindles certainly are wear items. I have located sources for the idler and made up spindle bearing kits I use on my 5' FM . $19 for the 164090 Single Idler and $29.00 for the 555009 Bearing Kit (2 seals, 2 bearings, and 4 snap rings). PayPal invoicing available.

 

[jfpauley]

Saw some posts that indicated IF the lock nuts are over tightened the bearings and spindles fail prematurely. Maybe ask KK site about Torques? I have found that if I use a machinist rule (~6" with vernier slide) to measure (record) the distance from the top of the NUT to the TOP of the bolt BEFORE I take it off the first time I have a GOOD indication of correct tightness when I put it back on. Some people count the threads but on coarse threads that is a little week.