Well that is a first...

I went to use my tractor the other day and the right front wheel was completely locked up. Even on the concrete floor, it would drag the tire before it would break it free.

So today I tore the front end apart, figuring one of the bearings in the drop down spindle had spun a bearing and locked up.

NOPE!

You can see in the picture, it was ICE.

Somehow water got into the front axle assembly, got around the bottom spider gears and completely froze up.

I am elated, it is a super cheap fix, just $3 in a tube of gasket maker, and an hour of my time, but no $30 bearings to buy. I think the water got into the front end this summer when I was digging in my gravel pit, and was going below the water table. I am not sure, but I like the $3 repair cost!!