123 Hydro Front wheel froze on spindle
 

First I want to thank everyone that help with the Starter/Generator problems I had a few weeks ago. Everything is working good. Now I have a new problem. The left front wheel froze up, I have a 48" mower it and was cutting grass when all at once the left front wheel wouldn't turn. When I finally got the wheel off the axle there were no bushings in it and there is a key way in the hub. Why would there be a keyway in the hu?. My thinking that it has been modified by PO. My thoughts that I could bore out the hub to either use bronze busings or a roller bearing. I don't use this mower a lot but I can cut grass with it that I wouldn't take my new Cub Cadet. Bearings or bushing?
Either way I would put in grease fittings.

Thanks,
Ted

Normally they have roller bearings, so that's what I'd do. Some PO's... :bash2::bash:

Here are the bearings used on your tractor...

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w...7.png~original

Sounds like the PO used a rear wheel from something if it has a keyway in it. You may be better off just getting a good used set of wheels from one of the sponsors at the top of the page.

I agree with Sam. No front wheels that I know of have a keyway. When we picked up our Original it had some sort of wheelbarrow wheels on the front and as part of the deal, original front rims came with it. If the front rims do not have a grease zirk either put one in or at least once a year remove and grease well and replace. My late father always said that if something failed on his tractor it will not be for lack of grease.

This is one of the strangest things that I have heard here. I'd really like to see pictures of what you have there.

If I understand you correctly, I don't think I mess around with it at all. As someone said earlier, I'd get a good used wheel/s and put it back the way it's supposed to be. Might also want to check your spindles to make sure they haven't been modified or ruined in the process.