Front wheel caster spinning

[dtelawncare]

On my Exmark, the left front wheel caster spins all the time. It seems that there is not enough weight on it all the time to keep it from spinning around. I have checked all the tires pressure and the mower cuts great. I have not noticed it to be uneven at all. I know it is possible, but does this mean my mower frame is twistedor warped???

[topsites]

On my Exmark, the left front wheel caster spins all the time. It seems that there is not enough weight on it all the time to keep it from spinning around. I have checked all the tires pressure and the mower cuts great. I have not noticed it to be uneven at all. I know it is possible, but does this mean my mower frame is twistedor warped???

Could be, but first check and see if the flanged bearings inside the support are worn... What you do is lift the front of the mower and secure it in the air, then grab the fork and try to move it side to side and see if it has play in it. Because there's bearings (maybe bushings) up inside that support arm thing where the fork axle goes through (well that pin-holding thing dangit) that get worn and this causes wobble and I might guess in cases of severe wear, spin. You do grease them daily, yes?

[jim dailey]

On my Exmark, the left front wheel caster spins all the time. It seems that there is not enough weight on it all the time to keep it from spinning around. I have checked all the tires pressure and the mower cuts great. I have not noticed it to be uneven at all. I know it is possible, but does this mean my mower frame is twistedor warped???

Let's see if I can explain this enough, so that you can try it: Start with a perfectly level spot. On a concrete floor or a level spot in the driveway or even a wooden floor. MAKE SURE that the spot where the mower is is completely level. NOW, build a small "platform" of cement blocks, bricks or wooden cut-offs, making sure that this is also COMPLETEL level. NOW, get the mower up onto this platform, so that ONLY the deck is resting on the platform. MAKE SURE that all of the wheels are "dangling" in free space. Look at the deck: Is it level on all sides on your homemade level stand? If one corner is UP, the deck has a twist. If the deck is touching on ALL surfaces, there is something incorrect with the tires or tire pressure. Give it a try. This will determine which way you should turn to try and correct the problem. Let us know how you make out.

[dtelawncare]

Thanks Jim, I will look at what you said. the mower was bought new last Sept. I am part time now, just started things last July. I just really got going this spring. Mower only has about 75 hours on it. Also, if the deck is warped, should I make them replace it even if it cuts level??

[CLARK LAWN]

dumb ? but did you check the air psi in the right rear tire i notice on one of my w/b the front will do that if the oppisite rear tire is as little as 5# low

[dtelawncare]

Clark, I have checked the tire pressure many times. I need to get a good pressure gauge. Recently I discovered the one I was using was not reading correctly. My tire pressure sensor light in my Tundra wouldn't go off until I used another guage. I will definately check the tires tomorrow afternoon.

[jim dailey]

Could be, but first check and see if the flanged bearings inside the support are worn... What you do is lift the front of the mower and secure it in the air, then grab the fork and try to move it side to side and see if it has play in it. Because there's bearings (maybe bushings) up inside that support arm thing where the fork axle goes through (well that pin-holding thing dangit) that get worn and this causes wobble and I might guess in cases of severe wear, spin. You do grease them daily, yes?
I agree, fully. BUT, he states that the mower is practically new. If it was older, I would go along with your idea. Also, he is having trouble with his pressure gauge. Get a good guage and check all of the tires for proper inflation. Maybe a stupid idea...BUT...go around and read all of the tire sizes, and make sure that the correct sizes are on the machine. Spend a little time with it, and with all of these suggestion, you will stumble upon the solution. I REALLY hope that it is not the deck. If so, and confirmed, then it is time to go see the dealer. BUT, figure out the roblem BEFORE you go to the dealer. Let us know.

[topsites]

Thanks Jim, I will look at what you said. the mower was bought new last Sept. I am part time now, just started things last July. I just really got going this spring. Mower only has about 75 hours on it. Also, if the deck is warped, should I make them replace it even if it cuts level??

Man, I got a 1998 Toro proline 30197 with who knows how many hours on it and I've done things to this machine that should've messed it up, and the deck has cracks in it but they are built like tanks and if mine works, yours should, too. You'd almost have to drop the mower from 10 feet up in the air to even try to damage it, so unless you flipped it end over end into a concrete ditch or it slammed into the front of the trailer as your truck hit a tree, I just don't see it. Yes I said it could be, but it is very, very unusual.

You might check and see if your control arm(s) are bent, those are the arms holding the fork which in turn holds the caster. Other than that, I am almost positive it is likely tire air pressure.

Come to think of it...
If it's a floating deck, make sure all 4 pins (height settings) are in the same position all around the deck LOL
If it's a fixed deck, also check all the height settings (both rear tires have settings with holes through which nuts and bolts go, the front casters are usually adjusted with washers) <- Check all this on a float as well.

[dtelawncare]

I give you guys a huge thanks for the veteran advice. I don't have any work lined up for the next three days and I am going to find what's going on with it.

[jim dailey]

I give you guys a huge thanks for the veteran advice. I don't have any work lined up for the next three days and I am going to find what's going on with it.

Should you, a friend or a neighbor own a 4-foot carpenter's level, that would come in real handy. Start with figuring out a real level spot on the driveway or on some concrete, and go from there.

[Runner]

Hold on. First of all, I don't care HOW good of a tire gauge you have - even if it is a $1,000 tire gauge, it isn't going to matter. These are NOT measured by the pressure in the tires, and there is a reason for that. What you do, is jack the rear of the mower up, and measure the circumference (distance AROUND) of the tire. The reason being, is that the way these tires are manufactured, two tires that have the same pressure can be two wntirely diffent circumferences. It's just the way they are. Now, when both tires are equal, your front tires are equal, and the machine is setting on perfectly level ground, if you have a front tire up in the air, you have a twisted frame, or a bent caster arm (the latter of the two is most likely). The mystery of it mowing level, is that for the most part, the machine will support itself on a tripod base, based on its weight distribution. In other word, just like it sits on the cement, it rides onthe grass. The only thing is though, is that it does rock when it hits the right bumps and undulations. This MAY be able to be corrected with the right equipment. It would take something powerful enough to put enough downforce on the arm to bend it down slightly while the other end of the arm is supported. I know a frame shop would be able to straighten this, but it might cost you a few.

[dtelawncare]

Runner, I checked the tires, they are the same size. I checked all the pressure in tires with 2 guages. I put a level across the control arms and it seems to be level. All the bearings seem tight. Next I am going to try swapping the wheels around. This mower has done this from day one. I never thought much about it untill now. After swapping the tires, I will be out of ideas.