48" mower deck on LX188 - Bearing and Seal issue

[charst]

Dear all,

my 98 LX188 has a 48" mower deck with badly damaged bearings. After disassembly i found out that the bearings used are of type 6204 (open type). The bearing housing is normally sealed with shaft seals on the top and bottom. The bearings are easy to get and cost only few Euros on the aftermarket. With the seals however, it's a bit more tricky. I contacted my local JD dealer for pricing of those. Result: For the price of one I can get all six ball bearings including shipping.
So my question is: Can't I just use closed-end-bearings (Type: 6204-2RS) instead of the open type and forget about the seals in the bearing housing? Those bearings have a lifetime fill of grease and are protected against splash water and dirt.

Has anyone ever tried this? Did it work?

Thanks in advance!

Carsten from North-Germany

 

[reynoldston]

Very popular bearing number. I use them all the time 6204-2RS and will buy 10 at a time. Just be careful when you buy them that you check the size on what you are buying because they may still have the same number but they come in different bore sizes. Yes they do have the seal and some company's that is all they use like MTD. So I really don't see no problem using them just like they are without the external seal.

 

[charst]

Thanks you for the information. I will let you know how went with the 2rs type bearings.