54" Deck rebuild

[Rex B]

Originally Posted by R Bedell

A simple Internet search found this: 2.50 x 6.00 inches

Mea culpa. I'm usually pretty good about checking the web first.
At $15 I might as well buy it.
Thanks!

[Rex B]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

Are you talking about the bearing for the idler pulley on the deck? You can drill the welds, split the pulley and replace the bearing and then weld it up. I can give you a number if that's what you're after.

I do it a bit different. I turned the crimp off one side. Bearing is out, but I had nothing that will work.
A number would be helpful, thanks!

[Rex B]

I keep bearings from 200-206 as well as skate bearings and a few others. This idler is none of the above. It's in inch dimensions, which is common only to lawn mowers.
I changed out the bearing on my 48" deck a while back. It was a stock bearing, probably a 203FF. I made an aluminum shield to keep the dirt away from the bearing a bit better.
If I knew the replacement pulleys had a standard bearing I'd probably just buy the $20 pulley. I looked at making an aluminum replacement but I had no suitable stock on hand.

I really need to share photos. This is the only forum I use that still requires resizing. I'll try to do better.

[Mike McKown]

Originally Posted by Rex B

I keep bearings from 200-206 as well as skate bearings and a few others. This idler is none of the above. It's in inch dimensions, which is common only to lawn mowers.

I use the double sealed 3206 Oak mentioned in post #10 Buy in bulk. I've replaced a number of idler pulley bearings on the 48" and 54" decks with those bearings.

I believe water is a bigger enemy to those bearings than dirt. Just my opinion.

[Rex B]

Originally Posted by Mike McKown

I use the double sealed 3206 Oak mentioned in post #10 Buy in bulk. I've replaced a number of idler pulley bearings on the 48" and 54" decks with those bearings.

I believe water is a bigger enemy to those bearings than dirt. Just my opinion.

I wish I had a photo of that bearing. It's smaller than a 203 or or 202, and the center race is extended both sides about 1/4".

I agree on the water. Biggest issue with this bearing is rust. That concave pulley surface holds water on top of it plenty long enough to seep past the seals.

[Mike McKown]

Originally Posted by Rex B

I wish I had a photo of that bearing. It's smaller than a 203 or or 202, and the center race is extended both sides about 1/4".

The center race extension is a bushing in the bearings I've replaced. Press it out and install in the new bearing.

If your's is extended on both sides it is different than ones I've worked on.