formariz 11,849 #1 Posted June 11, 2017 I have been changing front bearings to sealed bearings on my tractors since the greasing of them always creates a mess, takes lots of grease and Grand kids are always getting grease on their legs. With these bearings I see no reason for grease. I am wondering what are others opinion on this? 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPWH 5,308 #2 Posted June 11, 2017 If the tractors are not exposed to extreme dust or water then the sealed bearing should be fine. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rick 216 #3 Posted June 11, 2017 Go with it, just keep a little grease on the axle to keep corrosion at bay. 10 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,281 #4 Posted June 11, 2017 I'd say go for it. I use sealed bearings on my non-workers and last summer I put them on one of my workers to see how they would last. So far so good. 7 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,937 #5 Posted June 11, 2017 We sure aren't talkin any high speed action. And your right, the grease makes a mess. Keep your eyes on them and if one starts squeaking grease it or just pop it out and replace it. you can find them just about anywhere. 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
clueless 2,898 #6 Posted June 11, 2017 10 minutes ago, rick said: Go with it, just keep a little grease on the axle to keep corrosion at bay. If it's a tractor that I use, I put sealed bearing on it, not the cheapest ones, but not the most expensive either. I still pack a little bearing grease in them before installing them. Less maintenance, and less mess. Got a 25 year old JD GT, between the PO and me over 900hr on original front bearings. Last year pulled the front wheels to put new tires on, bearings look good with no play, axles looked good also. I think the dust caps help a lot. i 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #7 Posted June 11, 2017 Squonk,,,,,you show me set of sealed bearings,,,,,,,,i will buy a set,,,,,!!!!!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #8 Posted June 11, 2017 20 minutes ago, 857 horse said: Squonk,,,,,you show me set of sealed bearings,,,,,,,,i will buy a set,,,,,!!!!!! Just an example. http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Sealed-Wheel-Bearings-Toro-Wheel-Horse-Garden-Lawn-Tractor-110513-25-1210-/271993019474?hash=item3f540c1c52:g:6aMAAOSwJ7RYW-wb 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JERSEYHAWG / Glenn 4,487 #9 Posted June 11, 2017 I like the sealed bearing swap out. Glenn 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 38,937 #10 Posted June 11, 2017 1 hour ago, 857 horse said: Squonk,,,,,you show me set of sealed bearings,,,,,,,,i will buy a set,,,,,!!!!!! HHHOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! I will buy a pair of cheapies at $ 2.99 ea. Seal them up in one those vacuum baggie things my wife uses for veggies and sell them to you for $32.50 ! 8 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldredrider 2,547 #11 Posted June 11, 2017 HOWWAAAARRRRRD!!!!!! I'll cut you a better deal! How about 4 of them (enough for BOTH front wheels, in a zip lock baggie for only $19.99!!! But wait! There's more!!! I'll deliver to you at the Big Show!! (limited time only...must call in the next 5 minutes). 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
W9JAB 156 #12 Posted June 11, 2017 HHHOOWWWAAARRRDDD!!! I will buy a pair of cheapies at $ 2.99 ea. Seal them up in one those vacuum baggie things my wife uses for veggies and sell them to you for $32.50 ! HOWWAAAARRRRRD!!!!!! I'll cut you a better deal! How about 4 of them (enough for BOTH front wheels, in a zip lock baggie for only $19.99!!! But wait! There's more!!! I'll deliver to you at the Big Show!! (limited time only...must call in the next 5 minutes). The Free Market Entrepreneurs 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tgtack 779 #13 Posted June 11, 2017 On sale for $9.85 with free shipping, 11 left. Just ordered a set. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KC9KAS 4,741 #14 Posted June 11, 2017 You know, the idea behind sealed bearings is the fact they are "pre-greased" and the seals keep out the dirt. Granted, if you are in a lot of dirt/mud you may need to check/repair/replace those sealed bearings. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jay bee 817 #15 Posted June 11, 2017 (edited) Cas, did you have the sealed bearings on this one??? Jim Edited June 11, 2017 by jay bee Duplicate entry 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
857 horse 2,581 #16 Posted June 11, 2017 So,,,,,,,,,,,here I sit,,,between a Squonk and a Paul spot,,,,,,,,Thank you guys for finding these,,,,,,,never knew !!!!!!! Little over 2 weeks.ta go....and a little over 90 today.... I'm gonna try and have the pole up early,,,,,if we run out of space,,,,,We may need 2 next year,,,,lolololo Just stay focused,,,,,keep your bearing and your GPS,, lolol 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,849 #17 Posted June 12, 2017 48 minutes ago, jay bee said: Cas, did you have the sealed bearings on this one??? Jim No, that is still from the greasy days. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 10,281 #18 Posted June 12, 2017 4 hours ago, KC9KAS said: You know, the idea behind sealed bearings is the fact they are "pre-greased" and the seals keep out the dirt. Granted, if you are in a lot of dirt/mud you may need to check/repair/replace those sealed bearings. Perzackly. I'm kinda thinking that the unsealed ones will be adversely affected by the dust/dirt/mud just as easily. Maybe even easier. That accounts for my experiment using sealed bearings in a hard worker. 4 hours ago, Tgtack said: On sale for $9.85 with free shipping, 11 left. Just ordered a set. What got me thinking on this was when I found quality bearings for about $3.00 each in bulk. I'd suggest shying away from the ones with the stamped steel 'bodies'. If that price is for a set of 4 decent bearings you did good. It's important to keep tabs an things. Once there is noticeable wear replace them before they start damaging your spindles. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 924 #19 Posted June 12, 2017 First, I am a believer in bearings sealed both sides and getting rid of the zerk fittings. Why....? because it is too easy to pump in too much grease and then you pop off the seal and now you have a big problem Second, once you get water (and dirt) into the bearings, the balls rust and before you know it the inner race of the bearing does not rotate on the balls but rather on the spindle which results in the ubiquitous grooves on the underside of the spindle The next time you remove a bearing from a front wheel, clean it out real good. Blow out the balls and race with compressed air. Slip the clean bearing over your finger and turn the outer race with your other hand. Do it slowly enough and you can feel the bearing being snagged. I have done this with many bearings hoping to reuse them (being the cheap yankee that I can be). I throw out most of them afterward. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites