Riding mower malfunction, requesting advice

Common. The bearings in the spindle need to be replaced periodically.
Some have grease fittings. Most don't.
Spin the others and make sure they're smooth and quiet

Pretty common. Cast pot metal. Replace about every 5 years or after hitting a stump. Gumballs are another fatal attractor for mowing decks.

The "L" series mowers were introduced by Deere to wedge into the big box stores to compete with Troy-Bilt, Murray, etc. Their price point and quality of build were similar to those brands. To this day the "John Deere" mower you can purchase at a Home Depot or Lowe's is not the same mower that you can get from the Deere Dealer.

If I remember correctly, those spindles do not have a grease fitting, and to add insult to injury, they have sealed bearings in them. Basically, they were a designed failure point.

There is probably an aftermarket version out there somewhere with a grease fitting on it. Deere may have even manufactured one with a lube point by now. Other than that, your local Lowe's or HD probably has one of those on the shelf.

LINK

$60

both spindles & new belt

One day I’m going to upgrade to a zero turn. When I do I’ll get someone’s old commercial Gravely on FB.

I seriously doubt MTD manufactured Craftsman while Sears still had the brand. Sears is deduct and Craftsman name was bought by some other company. That is why I said Craftsman from the old days.

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I seriously doubt MTD manufactured Craftsman while Sears still had the brand. Sears is deduct and Craftsman name was bought by some other company. 

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The old Craftsmans were made by AYP, not MTD.

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model

American Yard Products (AYP) was created in 1988 when Electrolux purchased Roper and merged it with its Husqvarna and Poulan/Weedeaster divisions.

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greenpartsstore.com

I've bought complete Decks before for mine, or just the parts you need from these guys and was very pleased...