spindles

Another question. How do the Gravely spindles ( aluminum housings with ball bearings) compare to other brands that have cast iron housings and tapered roller bearings?

Cast iron and tapered rollers ?
Have you just been in a time machine ?
The only mower I have seen with tapered rollers are the 2000 series Cubs and 13 year old Bolens.

Naturally a tapered roller is the best way to support a blade spindle however they are near 4 times the price of sealed balls and mowers are a very price driven market so cheap always comes up in top of better every time unless you are buying in the over $ 15,000 price range.