Roller design-what works and what doesn't

[lakeside]

I have been a read only member for some time and, for me, the combined experience of members is the main strength of the site.
I have a Baroness GM2800B, a five deck golf course mower said to be similar to Toro. The problem is that the rear discharge roller has open bearings that rely on greasing through the roller axle and a seal that is quickly overcome by grass wrap. The result is grinding paste and downtime. Is anyone aware of roller design that lasts for more than a season before the bearings give up?????

 

[Auto Doc's]

I have been a read only member for some time and, for me, the combined experience of members is the main strength of the site.
I have a Baroness GM2800B, a five deck golf course mower said to be similar to Toro. The problem is that the rear discharge roller has open bearings that rely on greasing through the roller axle and a seal that is quickly overcome by grass wrap. The result is grinding paste and downtime. Is anyone aware of roller design that lasts for more than a season before the bearings give up?????

Hello L.,

Have you ever seen and old reel style mower that has wooden rollers? Those things never seemed to fail with many years of use. My guess is they were made out a resilient wood or simply good quality white pine.

That might be an idea instead of fighting the current design. Someone with good woodworking experience should be able to elaborate on this more.