Discover how to diagnose, replace, and maintain spindle bearings on your Land Pride FDR1660 finishing mower. Our comprehensive guide walks you through each step of the process, helping you save on costly repairs while ensuring optimal mower performance.

The Land Pride FDR1660 finishing mower relies on high-quality spindle bearings to ensure smooth blade operation. These crucial components can develop issues over time, leading to poor cutting performance and potential damage to other parts of your mower.

What Are Spindle Bearings?

Spindle bearings are sealed bearing units that support the rotating shaft of each cutting blade. The FDR1660 typically uses 6205-2RS sealed bearings in its spindle assemblies, which are designed to withstand the high rotational speeds and stress of mowing operations.

Common Bearing Specifications

While the exact bearing specifications may vary, most Land Pride FDR1660 models use 6205-2RS sealed bearings. These bearings feature:

• Inner diameter: 25mm
• Outer diameter: 52mm
• Width: 15mm
• Double rubber seals (indicated by the “2RS” designation)

Recognizing the early warning signs of bearing failure can save you from more expensive repairs down the road. Here are the key indicators that your Land Pride FDR1660’s spindle bearings may need replacement:

• Unusual Noises: Rattling, grinding, or squealing sounds during operation
• Restricted Movement: Spindles that don’t rotate freely when turned by hand
• Physical Damage: Visible wear on the spindle shaft or bearing components
• Deformed Components: Elongated or egg-shaped bearing rollers
• Operational Issues: Excessive vibration or uneven cutting during mower operation

Sourcing Options for Parts

You can purchase spindle assemblies and bearings from several sources:

• Authorized Land Pride Dealers: Original Land Pride spindle assemblies (part #310249S) – approximately $175 as of 2025
• Kubota Dealers: Since Kubota acquired Land Pride, many Kubota dealers carry compatible parts
• Online Agricultural Equipment Suppliers: May offer both OEM and aftermarket options
• Specialized Bearing Suppliers: For those wanting to replace just the bearings (6205-2RS sealed bearings)

Step 1: Preparation and Safety

1. 1
   Park your tractor on a level surface and set the parking brake
2. 2
   Disconnect the PTO and shut off the engine
3. 3
   Remove the key and put on appropriate safety gear
4. 4
   Secure the mower to prevent unexpected movement during maintenance

Step 2: Removing the Damaged Spindle Assembly

1. 1
   Remove the mower deck belt, taking note of the routing for reinstallation
2. 2
   Remove the blade by loosening the blade bolt with your impact wrench
3. 3
   Locate the four mounting bolts on the underside of the deck that secure the spindle assembly
4. 4
   Remove these bolts using your socket set and carefully remove the spindle assembly

Step 3: Installing the New Spindle Assembly

1. 1
   Position the new spindle assembly on the deck, carefully aligning the mounting holes
2. 2
   Install the four mounting bolts and tighten them securely in a cross pattern
3. 3
   Reinstall the blade and torque the blade bolt to exactly 75 ft-lbs using your torque wrench
4. 4
   Reinstall the belt according to the belt diagram in your operator’s manual
5. 5
   Check belt tension (should deflect approximately 1/4 inch with 7-10 pounds of pressure)

Step 4: Proper Lubrication

1. 1
   Locate the grease zerk on each spindle assembly
2. 2
   Using your grease gun, apply high-quality bearing grease
3. 3
   If your spindle has a mark on the outside of the hub, ensure it’s aligned with the zerk fitting for proper greasing

Step 5: Testing

1. 1
   Rotate the spindle by hand to ensure it turns freely
2. 2
   Check for any unusual resistance or sounds
3. 3
   Start the tractor and engage the PTO at low RPM to test operation
4. 4
   Gradually increase to full operating speed while monitoring for vibration or noise

While replacing the entire spindle assembly is recommended for most users, experienced mechanics might choose to replace just the bearings. This approach is more complex but can be more economical.

Spindle Disassembly Process

A typical Land Pride FDR1660 spindle assembly includes:

• Main shaft
• Two 6205-2RS sealed bearings
• End caps
• Spacers
• Pulley

Key Steps for Individual Bearing Replacement

1. Remove the C-clips or retaining rings that secure the bearings
2. Use a bearing puller to remove the old bearings from the shaft
3. Clean the shaft thoroughly and inspect for wear or damage
4. Press new 6205-2RS sealed bearings onto the shaft using appropriate tools
5. Reinstall spacers, end caps, and securing hardware
6. Reassemble the spindle with proper lubrication

Regular maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your spindle bearings. Many bearing failures occur due to inadequate lubrication.

Proper Greasing Technique

1. Clean the grease zerk before attaching the grease gun
2. Apply grease until you see a small amount of clean grease emerge from the bearing seals
3. Avoid over-greasing, which can damage seals
4. If your spindle has a mark on the outside of the hub, align it with the zerk fitting when greasing

A Land Pride FDR1660 owner discovered that their spindle failure was due to inadequate lubrication. The bearing had seized on the shaft, causing the shaft to wear away and the bearing rollers to become elongated and egg-shaped.

This experience highlights the importance of following the manufacturer’s lubrication schedule. Regular greasing every 8 hours of operation could have prevented this costly repair.

Replacing spindle bearings on your Land Pride FDR1660 finishing mower is a manageable DIY project that can save you significant repair costs while ensuring optimal cutting performance. By following the step-by-step guide in this article, you can successfully diagnose bearing issues, replace damaged components, and implement a proper maintenance schedule.

Remember these key takeaways:

• Pay attention to warning signs like unusual noise or vibration
• Use proper tools including an impact wrench and torque wrench
• Torque blade bolts to exactly 75 ft-lbs for safety
• Consider the complete spindle assembly replacement for most situations
• Look for 6205-2RS sealed bearings if replacing individual components
• Follow the strict 8-hour lubrication schedule to prevent premature failure
• Create a maintenance log to track service intervals

Last Updated: March 28, 2025

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