914a 72" wheel bearings wear out

[RuT]

I have 72" mid mount side discharge mower from New Holland. I've used it about 4 years. It has the hard antiscalp wheels. I mow about 4 acres of lawn weekly during the season.

The wheel bearings on the antiscalp wheels fail once to twice per season. They just flat wear out and fall apart. Yes, I grease nearly every week. With 4 wheels at $40 per change out for just the bearings...I'm looking for a better design.

The bearings are not sealed on the wheels and I am guessing that is the issue. Does anyone have suggestions? Sealed bearings? New wheels and bearings from some other company? It seems like some aftermarket would bolt on and work better. Especially if sealed.

I see in an old brochure that the 84" mid mount has air filled tires. Does anyone know if the bearings are sealed or open?

 

[jwstewar]

Don't know of a better solution, but I have the same issue with my 60" MMM on my little TC24D. I'm mowing about 5 1/2 Acres of pretty rough ground. I actually got about 4 years out of mine. Just replaced the last one a few weeks ago. Of course, I won't make this mistake again. The first time I didn't replace it right away. Ruined the wheel so that even after new bearings, they didn't fit right and the wheel wouldn't roll right. Should've been sitting down when they showed me the price of the whole wheel assembly. I believe the bearings on my to about $20. I took the entire wheel off last time when I lost the bearings and ran that way for a time or two. I now have an extra bearing kit sitting on the work bench.

 

[Patches]

If you have a bearing speciality company in your area, take an intact bearing with you and they'll match you up with sealed bearings for a lot less cost than OEM

 

[Inspector507]

I set my wheels where they don't hit the ground under normal mowing. Maybe 1/2" above touchdown. I've had my 60" as long as Jim has and no problems at all. Now that I've said that

 

[RuT]

I have sandy ground and I usually run the wheels on the ground. I suspect that has something to do with the failures.

 

[RuT]

I think we might be onto an effective solution. I have to check measurements and so forth, but this company has molded wheels with bearings for around $6. I'll order a case and keep them handy! I'll keep you posted. (I don't know anything about this company, just they have sizes, prices, and so forth

Check out this example: Casters | Wheels | Wheel Axle Size 5/8" - 748661C - GlobalIndustrial.com

 

[ericinmich]

I've got a 60" 914a and haven't had any issues. But I may operate it a bit differently.

I was told to not run the mowers on the wheels but let the tractor hold the weight. So on level ground (ie. driveway) I lower the 3pt to where the wheels just hit the pavement and I remember about where the 3pt lever is (sometimes use the lever stop adjustment). I figure when mowing the wheels hardly ever carry much weight...

 

[smajor]

Did anyone ever find a solution? I blew out another wheel this weekend. Now, a couple of years ago, I ordered these: Casters | Wheels & Tires | 6" x 2" Mold-On Rubber Wheel - Axle Size 1/2" | 748609A - GlobalIndustrial.com

I have them on the rear (the one that failed this time was a front swivel) of my 60" and they have been FLAWLESS. My only complaint is they have a slight V or U shape so the surface contact is about 1.5" instead of 2" so they can scalp the lawn if it is wet.

I'd like to find a set that is a true 2" surface contact. But, for those that are looking and don't mind a slightly thinner tread, the above are perfect and hold up much better than the stock wheels.

I'm going to order up something different. It's crazy that New Holland doesn't have something updated after all these years.