142465001 Vermeer SC252 Cutter Wheel Bearing Pair - Heavy Duty 1-1/2" Pillow Blocks - Impact Ready - 208 Series

142465001 Cutter Wheel Bearing Pair for Vermeer SC252 Stump Cutter

Your SC252 cutter wheel bearing has failed — the wheel is wobbling, there's a grinding roar from the boom, or the bearing has seized and you can smell burning steel. These bearings sit in the impact zone, right next to the cutting teeth. Every time the cutter wheel hits a rock, a root ball, or buried concrete, the shock load travels straight through the shaft and into both bearings. When one fails, the other is already damaged — it's just a matter of hours before it goes too.

Replace both. Every time. This is a matched pair of heavy-duty 1-1/2" pillow block bearings rated for the shock loads of stump grinding — $95 for the pair. The dealer charges $75–$95 each. You're getting two for less than the price of one at the dealer counter.

Why the 208 Series Matters

There are different pillow block housing sizes for 1-1/2" bore bearings. The SC252 cutter wheel requires the 208 Series heavy-duty housing. This is critical — here's why:

• 208 Series (This Listing): Heavy-duty housing with thicker walls, wider base, and a solid cast iron construction designed to absorb impact loads without cracking. This is what the SC252 cutter wheel was designed for.
• 207 Series (WRONG): A 1-1/2" bearing in a smaller, weaker housing. The 207 housing has thinner walls and a narrower base. On a stump grinder, the shock loads from hitting rocks and debris will crack the 207 housing — often on the first hard impact.

Do not substitute a 207 Series bearing on the cutter wheel shaft. It will crack. Use the 208 Series.

Built for the Impact Zone

These aren't standard conveyor or fan bearings. The cutter wheel bearings on a stump grinder take abuse that would destroy normal pillow blocks:

• Solid Cast Iron Base: Not hollow — thick, continuous cast iron that distributes impact energy across the entire mounting surface instead of concentrating it at the bolt holes
• Double Lip Sealed: The cutting zone produces massive amounts of wood chips, dirt, and grit. The double lip seals create a labyrinth barrier that keeps abrasive contamination out of the bearing races
• Dual Set Screw Locking: Two set screws lock the inner race to the shaft at 120° apart. Under the vibration and impact loads of stump grinding, a single set screw can walk loose — dual set screws prevent this
• Pre-Greased for Life: Factory packed with high-load grease rated for continuous shock loading

Specifications

• Vermeer OEM Part Number: 142465001
• Quantity: Matched Pair — (2) Pillow Block Bearings
• Bore: 1-1/2" (1.50")
• Housing Series: 208 Heavy Duty
• Bolt Spacing: 5-3/8" Center-to-Center (Standard 2-Bolt Mount)
• Center Height: 1.937" (Standard High-Base)
• Locking: Dual Set Screws (120° apart)
• Seals: Double Lip Contact Seals
• Position: Cutter Wheel Shaft (Main Boom)
• Condition: Brand New, Heavy Duty

What's in the Box

• (2) Heavy-Duty 1-1/2" Pillow Block Bearings (208 Series) — pre-greased and sealed

Compatible Equipment

The 142465001 cutter wheel bearing pair fits the following:

• Vermeer SC252 Stump Cutter / Stump Grinder (208 Series housing — 5-3/8" bolt spacing)

⚠️ This is the cutter wheel shaft bearing (1-1/2" bore, 208 Series). The SC252 jackshaft uses a different, smaller bearing (1-1/4" bore, 207 Series — see our separate listing). Do not interchange them.

Installation Notes

• Retract the boom and lower the cutter wheel to the ground — secure the machine
• Remove the cutter wheel teeth guard and any debris shields
• Remove the cutter wheel from the shaft — this may require a puller depending on the fit
• Loosen the dual set screws on both old bearings
• Remove the 4 mounting bolts (2 per bearing)
• Slide the old bearings off the shaft — inspect the shaft for scoring or wear
• Clean the shaft thoroughly — remove any rust, grit, or debris
• Slide the new bearings onto the shaft — position them in the same locations as the originals
• Install the mounting bolts finger-tight (do not fully torque yet)
• Tighten the dual set screws on each bearing to lock the inner race to the shaft
• Spin the shaft by hand — verify smooth, free rotation with no binding
• Fully torque the mounting bolts
• Reinstall the cutter wheel
• Reinstall the teeth guard and debris shields
• Test: run the cutter wheel at low RPM, listen for any unusual noise
• Make a test cut on a stump — verify no vibration or wobble

Symptoms of Failing Cutter Wheel Bearings

• Loud grinding, roaring, or rumbling noise from the boom/cutter wheel area
• Cutter wheel wobbles or vibrates during cutting
• Visible play in the cutter wheel — you can grab the wheel and feel lateral movement
• Bearing housing is cracked (impact damage from hitting rocks)
• Bearing housing is hot to the touch after operation
• Metal shavings or rust-colored dust around the bearing pedestals
• Uneven or inconsistent cutting — the wheel is tracking off-center
• Grease leaking from the bearing seals
• Sudden increase in vibration after hitting a hard object (rock, concrete)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the cheaper 207 Series bearing on the cutter wheel?
No. The 207 Series housing is designed for lighter-duty applications. On the SC252 cutter wheel shaft, the 207 housing will crack from impact loads — often on the first hard hit. The 208 Series has thicker walls, a wider base, and the structural integrity to handle stump grinder shock loads. Always use the 208 Series on the cutter wheel.

What's the difference between this bearing and the jackshaft bearing?
The cutter wheel bearing (this listing) is 1-1/2" bore in a 208 Series heavy-duty housing. The jackshaft bearing is 1-1/4" bore in a 207 Series housing. They are NOT interchangeable — different bore sizes, different housing sizes, different mounting bolt spacing. Make sure you order the correct bearing for the correct shaft position.

Why do stump grinder bearings fail?
Three main causes: (1) Impact — hitting rocks, concrete, or root balls sends shock loads through the shaft that brinell the bearing races, creating flat spots that rapidly wear into pits. (2) Contamination — wood dust, dirt, and grit working past the seals and grinding down the bearing surfaces from the inside. (3) Age and hours — even in perfect conditions, bearings are a wear item with a finite service life.

Should I inspect the shaft before installing new bearings?
Yes, absolutely. Check the shaft for scoring, grooves, or reduced diameter where the bearings sit. A worn shaft will cause the new bearings to have a loose fit, leading to premature failure and potential shaft damage. If the shaft is worn, it needs to be machined or replaced before new bearings are installed.