Land Pride FDR1660 Finish Mower---Idler Pulley bearing going out?

justman777 · Jul 11, 2015

Hello all!

I have a Land Pride FDR1660 that I've had for about 5 years now. It recently started making what I'll describe as a "growling" sound that made me think that I have a bearing going bad in one of the spindles or pulleys. I checked all the spindles and they appear to be tight---no movement when I try to move them. I also checked both of the other pulleys (fixed idler and spring mounted tension) and they appear to move slightly when depressed on one side or the other. Is this a sign of a bad bearing? Thoughts? Any thing else I should check for?

HarryN · Jul 11, 2015

I have a Woods finish mower. Just changed the idler bearing yesterday. Was "sounding" funny. Went back and looked at it. Normally I can touch the bearing ..... But this one was so hot it burned my hand. It was not sloppy either. Changed it out and all fine.... Bearing was $ 6.95. Guessing I change out 1 bearing every year. I can pretty much tell by the sound now when they are about to go. My bearings are pressed into the pulley. Is yours the same?

houser52 · Jul 11, 2015

I have an old Bush Hog TM5 finish mower that I changed the idler pulleys just a few weeks ago. Like y'all, mine were growling pretty loud. Matter of fact, last year one seized and burned my belt in two. After changing them everything is quiet and runs smooth as silk.

The Bush Hog brand pulleys were over $100 ea. but I picked up 2 at NAPA for $7 ea. If they last only a year or two I can't complain and just get two more.

justman777 · Jul 13, 2015

HarryN said:
I have a Woods finish mower. Just changed the idler bearing yesterday. Was "sounding" funny. Went back and looked at it. Normally I can touch the bearing ..... But this one was so hot it burned my hand. It was not sloppy either. Changed it out and all fine.... Bearing was $ 6.95. Guessing I change out 1 bearing every year. I can pretty much tell by the sound now when they are about to go. My bearings are pressed into the pulley. Is yours the same?

I believe the bearings are pressed into the pulley. LandPride doesn't show a separate part for the pulley and the bearing though. It looks like they come as one unit. The pulleys I found were around $50...not cheap. I'll take a look at NAPA and see what they have. Great idea!