JD question

[donden]

Is there a logical reason that the front deck wheels on my JD z445 don't pivot? Turning tight on a very slight grade variation results in those ugly little trenches that seem to take all summer to heal. My old
JD 345 tractor didn't do this so I assume there is a valid reason for the rigid mounting on the zero turn.
Thank you
Donden

[Briana]

Welcome to LawnMowerForum!

I moved your thread to the John Deere Forum.

[mac]

I currently have 3 JD mowers and 2 of them have Anti-scalp wheels on the front of the deck. Neither of them pivot. In fact, none of the JD mower decks I have ever had, were equiped with pivoting Gauge wheels. Those wheels aren't supposed to be in contact with the ground accept to avoid scalping the lawn. Except for 1 JD push mower, I've never had ANY mower or mower deck that had pivoting gauge wheels.

[Rivets]

As Mac said the deck (anti-scalp) wheels are not to be in contact with the ground dmuring mowing. Adjust the wheel once you have set you mowing height to about 1/2" off the ground. This will keep you from wearing out the wheels and give you a better looking lawn.

[donden]

That's what I do. Unfortunately when I make a tight turn at the end of the row the wheels will dig in the ground if there is a variation from level. Raising the deck to avoid this is not only tiresome but results in a no-cut turn. With all the "brains & ingenuity" in an industry as competitive as this one it seems that this could be solved. I have changed my cutting pattern do avoid some of this but it still happens.
Thanks
DD

[Rivets]

What does your JD dealer say? I have never heard of this problem when the deck is setup properly.

[ILENGINE]

Just a thought, but what is the air pressure of your tires. A low tire will cause what you are seeing.

[Parkmower]

Is there a logical reason that the front deck wheels on my JD z445 don't pivot? Turning tight on a very slight grade variation results in those ugly little trenches that seem to take all summer to heal. My old
JD 345 tractor didn't do this so I assume there is a valid reason for the rigid mounting on the zero turn.
Thank you
Donden

Edit sorry

[donden]

Tire pressure was the first thing my dealer said to check. It was OK. I didn't have this problem with my old 345 tractor. Of course the 345 doesn't have the tight turn capability so I figured that it was this "advantage" that was the problem. I know of one other Z owner who actually knocked the gage wheel off on his (unless I was getting B.S. on it). I will be getting some tune up work on my back soon and won't be able to ride a mower for a while so I will get with the "expert" I hired to mow while I heal up.
Thanks to all who answered.
DD