I have a smaller JD mower, an LT150. I've learned that every bearing on the deck is the same bearing used in the front of older GM alternators, Timken #203FF. They are in the spindles and can be easily replaced. They are also in the pulleys on the deck. I did, however have to drill out the spot welds on the pulleys, seperate the two halves and bolt/nut the pulleys back together with the new bearins inside. No big deal to be able to do this every time from here on out. This saves buying whole pulleys every time. In the case of other decks, I would remove the bearings and find an industrial bearing distributor. They generally have knowledgeable guys that can look at a bearing and fix you up.