Q? Bearings vs Bushings

[Tonyp 285]

General question- My '79- C81, one of the front wheel bearings broke apart resulting in the hub getting damaged. I did get it welded and it appears all ok, BUT I ordered two wheels/tires which came with 3/4 BUSHINGS , not bearings.  Both front wheels are off the C81, bearings removed and  I'm getting ready to install new bearings.   I did install the two NEW wheels and replaced the 3/4 Bushings with new bearings.    Here's the question, this is a general duty  tractor, yard work , not regular  MOWER duty. I have read where Bushings are good maybe even better for LOW speed general duty work and it has a Johnny Bucket on it , ( love it to death)  . Are there benefits for Bushings over Bearings for the tractor front wheels ?     Thx in advance.    

[kpinnc 12,716]

In my opinion you will never get the strength or longevity from bushings that you do from bearings. In addition, bushings have much higher friction than bearings. Add weight to the application, and that friction goes up substantially. 

[Maxwell-8 4,357]

In general Bushings are good for high speed application, where a machine is turned on, and it never shuts off. Look at all the bearings in an engine, they all are bushing.

At a certain rpm, the oil or grease picks up the shaft resulting in a fluid friction only. That is also why a bushing has a higher startup friction.  

The ball bearing is superior on all other occasions. They can handle start-stops why better. At low rpm they have a very low friction. 

 

The only advantages of a bushing is, it's cheaper. That's why they use it on cheaper mowers.

Then again, If the axle shaft is so worn out, a the bearing will not be tight enough on the axle, a bushing is a better alternative. as it can handle more worn out shafts.

 

[Tonyp 285]

Thx for the replies, I have every intention of using Bearings on the wheels . at the same time I am pulling  the 2 front wheels off of my 310-8 which I bought new in 86,. I don't remember when I changed the bearings but they will get changed again shortly.    One thing I did do on the C81, I pulled the spindles and drilled holes where the snap rings go to use cotter pins.  I hate Snap rings !   I'll do the same for the 310-8.   

[peter lena 8,814]

thing that regularly destroys ft bearings is , lack of  correct lube , and proper  shimming to prevent side slamming , thats what really eats a bearing , all of mine  3 horses , are snug , so sloppy wheel play  , lucas chassis grease  also use HILLMAN MASHINE BUSHINGS 3/4 X 1-1/4 X 18 GA , to snug up / eliminate side slam . pete

[Lee1977 6,855]

I used bushings in wheels that are too worn to hold bearings, shim them tight and use them on trailers or wagons. I have a 1" axle on my trailer and bushings were the only thing I could find to fit the 1 3/8" hubs.