Bearings are small parts with a big job—replacing bearings in farm equipment before they fail can save your equipment, your harvest, and your wallet.

Why Worn Bearings Need to Be Replaced Quickly 

Worn bearings cause extra strain on machinery, leading to bigger (and costlier) failures if not replaced early. When you delay farm equipment bearing replacement, you risk damaging shafts, housings, and other parts. Catching bad bearings early is one of the best farm machinery repair tips to keep your harvest on track and avoid expensive downtime during peak season. 

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need 

Gather these items before you start your DIY farm equipment repair: 

•      * Bearing puller or press – for safe removal without damage 

•      * Wrenches & screwdrivers – to remove guards, covers, and housings 

•      * Safety gloves and goggles – to protect hands and eyes 

•      * New replacement bearings – matched by size and type from our bearings for agricultural machinery catalog 

•      * Clean rags & degreaser – to prep parts for agricultural bearing installation 

•      * Grease gun & proper lubricant – for smooth operation after install 

Having the right farm machinery repair tools ready cuts your repair time and ensures a smooth farm equipment bearing replacement. 

Step-by-Step: How to Replace Bearings in Farm Equipment    

Step 1: Safely Prep the Equipment 

1. 1. Park on level ground and set the parking brake. 

1. 2. Turn off the engine and remove the key. 

1. 3. Release hydraulic pressure and chock the wheels. 

1. 4. Wear gloves and safety glasses before you begin your how to replace bearings process. 

Step 2: Access the Bearing Assembly 

1. 1. Remove any belts, chains, or guards blocking the bearing area. 

1. 2. Take off wheels or covers—keep track of bolts and spacers. 

1. 3. Clean the work area with a rag and degreaser to prevent contamination in your tractor bearing replacement guide. 

Step 3: Remove the Old Bearing Carefully 

1. 1. Attach the bearing puller to the inner race; slowly pull bearing off the shaft. 

1. 2. If you have a press, use it to push the bearing straight out of the housing. 

1. 3. Avoid hammering on the rollers or cage—this can damage the housing and shaft during combine bearing replacement tasks. 

Step 4: Inspect Shafts and Housings 

1. 1. Check shafts for nicks, scratches, or rust. Light scoring can be polished out; deep grooves mean replacement. 

1. 2. Measure housing bores with calipers—no more than 0.002″ out of round. 

1. 3. Look at seals and snap rings; replace any that are bent or cracked to ensure proper bearings for harvest machinery performance. 

Skipping inspection can cause your replacing tractor bearings to fail prematurely. 

Step 5: Install the New Bearing Properly 

1. 1. Clean shafts and housings again—no dirt allowed. 

1. 2. Align the new bearing and press it into place. Use a press or arbor; apply pressure to the outer race only. 

1. 3. Slide the inner race onto the shaft—use even, firm pressure, and avoid hitting the rollers. 

1. 4. Reinstall seals, snap rings, and any shims or spacers for correct agricultural bearing installation. 

Step 6: Test the Assembly Before Returning to Work 

1. 1. Spin the shaft or wheel by hand—bearings should turn smoothly with no grinding. 

1. 2. Re-torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s specs. 

1. 3. Reattach belts, chains, guards, and wheels. 

1. 4. Lower equipment, remove chocks, and run at low speed—listen for noise or vibration to confirm your DIY farm equipment repair success. 
2.  

Common Bearing Replacement Areas in Farm Equipment

•      * Tractor wheel hubs and PTOs – heavy loads and mud call for quick swaps in your tractor bearing replacement guide. 

•      * Combine augers and headers – dust and chaff wear seals fast during combine bearing replacement. 

•      * Baler rollers and drive shafts – high impact zones need sturdy bearings designed for bearings for agricultural machinery. 

•      * Planter seed units and coulters – moisture and soil make sealed bearings for farm machinery a must. 

Tips for Selecting the Right Bearings for Upgrades

•      * Always match replacement bearings to original specs. Use stamped numbers or measure ID/OD/width. 

•      * Clean all components before reassembly. Dirt or old grease can ruin new bearings. 

•      * Grease or lubricate properly based on bearing type. Sealed units need no grease; open bearings require the right amount. 

•      * Replace seals if damaged or worn. Fresh seals keep dust and water out. 

•      * Order your bearings early. Buy farm equipment bearings before the busy season to avoid delays. 

These farm machinery repair tips help you extend equipment life and focus on preventing bearing failure. 

Why Bearings Direct Is the Smart Choice for Agricultural Bearings

Affordable Bearings for All Types of Farm Equipment 

At Bearings Direct, you’ll find best bearings for farm machinery at prices that fit your budget. We stock tapered rollers, spherical rollers, sealed units, and more for tractors, harvesters, planters, and balers—perfect for any replacing bearings in farm equipment project. 

Fast, Reliable Shipping and Customer Support 

Buy farm equipment bearings online and get them before your next field job. Our team knows farming deadlines—expect quick delivery and expert advice on bearings for agricultural machinery. 

Get Your Farm Equipment Ready with Bearings Direct 

Don’t wait for a breakdown to shop. Buy bearings online at Bearings Direct today and keep your farm equipment bearings fresh and ready for any task. Browse our catalog and gear up for hassle-free maintenance.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 

1. Q1. How often should I replace bearings in farm equipment? 
   
   A. Inspect bearings every season or 200–300 hours of use—replace at the first sign of noise or play. 

1. Q2. Can I install bearings myself in the field? 
    
   A. Yes, with basic tools like a bearing puller, mallet, and press. Follow our farm machinery repair tips for correct fit and alignment. 

1. Q3. What makes sealed bearings better for planters? 
    
   A. Sealed bearings for farm machinery lock out dirt and moisture, keeping grease in and extending service life in wet soil. 

1. Q4. Are stainless steel bearings worth the extra cost? 
   
   A. For sprayer booms and washdown areas, stainless bearings resist corrosion, reducing replacements and downtime. 

1. Q5. How often should I check bearing lubrication? 
   
2. A. For greasable bearings, re-grease every 100–200 hours or at each season change. Sealed units need no greasing. 

1. Q6. What bearing type is best for heavy grain cart hubs? 
    
   A. High-load bearings for agriculture like tapered roller bearings handle heavy radial and thrust forces on cart axles. 

1. Q7. How can I avoid ordering the wrong bearing size? 
    
   A. Measure ID, OD, and width carefully. Use our online measurement guide or send photos to our support team for cross-reference. 

1. Q8. Do I need different bearings for harvest vs. planting seasons? 
   
2. A. If your equipment faces different loads or speeds, you might switch types. Otherwise, a quality sealed bearing works year-round. 

1. Q9. Can I mix bearing brands on the same machine? 
   
2. A. Yes—just ensure specs match (load rating, speed, dimensions). Mixing brands with the same ratings keeps performance consistent. 

1. Q10. What is the lead time for specialty bearings? 
   
2. A. Most standard farm bearings ship in 1–2 days. Specialty or large-size parts may take up to a week. Check availability when you buy farm equipment bearings online.