FLtractor 56 #1 Posted April 24 Afternoon, Looking at the manual online.. it states where the grease zerk fittings are located … I read somewhere online before I knew the manuals were so easily available.. about raising the front of tractor to properly fill the front axle zirk fittings.. does this apply to my 1966 Wheelhorse 856? Is there a grease fitting directly Beneath this axel on front that needs to be greased to? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 9,454 #2 Posted April 24 (edited) Yes, the front axle has 3 grease fittings - the center pivot and the two spindles. Lifting the wheels off the ground allows you to fill the internal voids with grease that can migrate up and down. Careful not tosnap the pivot fitting off !! Do not forget the one fitting in the lower steering block too.... Make SURE the seatpan latch works properly and stays latched. There are RS stories about the unsuspecting getting pitched off the back letting out the clutch.....There is a reason they don't make 'em like that anymore...... Edited April 24 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,828 #3 Posted April 24 You should raise the tractor front by jacking the frame, jacking under the axle would still cause loading the weight on the center pivot. You can’t grease the front axle too much, it is the only way to flush the dirt and water out of these unsealed joints. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FLtractor 56 #4 Posted April 24 (edited) 3 minutes ago, lynnmor said: You should raise the tractor front by jacking the frame, jacking under the axle would still cause loading the weight on the center pivot. You can’t grease the front axle too much, it is the only way to flush the dirt and water out of these unsealed joints. Could I raise the front wheels while still on the ground .. as in on a brick or mount slightly higher then the rear of tractor.. or is the point for the front wheels to be able to spin in the air to circulate the grease? If I use my floor Jack.. any recommendations as to wear to Jack under since I have my mower deck still on? Edited April 24 by FLtractor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lynnmor 7,828 #5 Posted April 24 (edited) 6 minutes ago, FLtractor said: Could I raise the front wheels while still on the ground .. as in on a brick or mount slightly higher then the rear of tractor.. or is the point for the front wheels to be able to spin in the air to circulate the grease? You raise the tractor so the front axle hangs free. The idea is to have the axles and center pivot bearing no weight. This way grease can flow into areas that may not receive grease. I use the front hitch and a small bottle jack, you may not have a hitch so you need to contrive a method that works. Edited April 24 by lynnmor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kpinnc 14,652 #6 Posted April 24 (edited) 1 hour ago, FLtractor said: Looking at the manual online.. it states where the grease zerk fittings are located … While I agree with the theory for raising the axle, I have never done it nor had an axle pivot or spindle fail just by greasing them as they sit on the ground. Greasing regularly is far more important than the method used to do it. Edited April 24 by kpinnc 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FLtractor 56 #7 Posted April 24 35 minutes ago, lynnmor said: You raise the tractor so the front axle hangs free. The idea is to have the axles and center pivot bearing no weight. This way grease can flow into areas that may not receive grease. I use the front hitch and a small bottle jack, you may not have a hitch so you need to contrive a method that works. Do you have a picture of your front hitch? Might have to add one Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 66,865 #8 Posted April 25 This video has some explanations in it. I prefer to zero gravity grease when able to. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,787 #9 Posted April 25 On 4/24/2025 at 4:55 PM, FLtractor said: I have my mower deck still on I like to pull the deck when servicing for several reasons. Ease of service ... can get around and under for better inspection. Can inspect the deck easier ... blade sharpening & spindle/belt service Keeps me fresh on how to take the damn thing off and on... 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
adsm08 3,267 #10 Posted April 25 1 minute ago, WHX?? said: I like to pull the deck when servicing for several reasons. Ease of service ... can get around and under for better inspection. Can inspect the deck easier ... blade sharpening & spindle/belt service Keeps me fresh on how to take the damn thing off and on... Yes, having the deck off makes servicing easier. I usually (but not always) do my major Spring and Fall services while swapping the deck and plow for the season. It gives much better access to the zerks on the steering assemblies. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Retired Wrencher 5,792 #11 Posted April 26 (edited) Since we are talking about greasing the tractors you may or not know about these.t I pick this up a few weeks ago. Makes it easy to grease in any angle. It also has a rebuild kit for it.I have had it for a while it save on time and a few words when using it. Just my Edited April 26 by Retired Wrencher 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 9,280 #12 Posted April 26 @FLtractor prefer a POLYUREA RATED grease , that stays with tough applications , like lucas xtra hd , green chassis ,the protection rate is amazing . have not had a bearing or area fail with this in place , also suggest a clean out of area , from original lube , a bearing turns into a quiet effortless , movement point . pete Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
