60" MMM Problem

[Billy_S]

I have a BX2230, with 102 hours on it. We bought it this spring. I am having a problem with the 60" MMM and want to see if anyone else is experiencing it.

The first time I greased the anti-scalp wheels, one of the zerks pulled out of the wheel. I could thread it back in, but of course, it just pulled out again, when I tried to remove the grease gun. No big deal, I thought, just cram a zerk in the hole and grease it. Inconvenient, but hardly a major issue.

Then comes last night. The zerks pulled out of the remaining 3 wheels, when I pulled the grease gun off of them. This seems to me like a design flaw (metal zerk, hole in plastic wheel). I took all the wheels off and am going to make this my dealer's problem in about 2 hours.

Anyone else having this problem?

 

[rosey]

The only thing that I can tell you is that this is a "quick" redesign by Kubota most likely because of complaints by owners of the original BX series tractors ( such as myself)( BX2200) that did not have zerk fittings on the anti-scalp wheels of the mower deck. You're right...........you would think that Kubota would insert the zerk fittings into metal instead of plastic.....good luck with your problem........let us know what the dealer said or did for a remedy.

 

[ByronBob]

Mine never came with zerks. This was an add on by someone. Your dealer should be able to verify this...

 

[mbriggs]

I've had this same problem. Kubota used drive-type zerks...an ill-conceived solution to the TBN well-documented issue of anti-scalp wheel wear. I plan on discussing it with my dealer at my 50 hour service. I'm also considering getting some threaded inserts like those used for woodworking and installing them in the wheels to accept the zerks. Finding matching threads does turn out to be a bit of a chore however. Of course, moweraxle.com is the easiest fix.

 

[Billy_S]

I emailed Larry at moweraxle.com to see how involved it is to install the upgrade kit he offers.

My dealer said the anti scalp wheels are junk. He said he would be delighted to order me new ones or even take them off of a mower he has in stock, but he is certain I would have the same problem again. He suggested waiting for awhile to see if Kubota solves the problem, then he will handle it under warranty.

 

[Tollster]

Do yourself a favor, call Larry and get the upgrade kit. I am happy with mine and I also ordered the storage dollies for winter. He seems to have an excellent grip on what Kubota should have done from day one. Then remove the old wheels from your deck and throw them at your dealer! While your at it, leave one of Larry's business cards at the dealership for future Kubota owners, in the event they continue to sell them.

 

[JWE]

I had Larry retro my 60" MMM wheels about two years ago. They are still in perfect condition.

John

 

[Billy_S]

What I am considering is item 4 on this page:

http://moweraxle.com/pricelist/kubotaantiscalpwheels.html

I emailed Larry, but maybe one of you guys know, can this be installed with common tools? My concern is does one have to have a press to do the bushings?

 

[r0GuE]

I've got some 250 odd hours on my deck (ok 200 mowing probably) with no issues. Set the deck up properly and don't let it spend the day rolling on the wheels, and I also shoot the axle inside and out with lube each time I mow. I see no (read:ZERO) appreciable wear on the wheels.

I am convinced that many let the weight of the deck rest on the wheels as they mow. It is not designed for this and will obviously not stand up to it.

 

[r0GuE]

When I say shoot the axle with lube, I mean WD-40 or a nice aerosol synth lube.