All wheel steer questions?

Grunt0311 · Feb 13, 2014

Hello all. I realized today that in my quest to find a mower, I have been avoiding any model with all wheel steer (i.e. LX 277 specifically). This is mainly because I am a firm believer in the K.I.S.S. Mentality (keep it simple stupid). But i really know very little about them. Are they more prone to breakdown since there is more moving parts? How do they work? I assume it is some sort of hydro. But if it fails, does it return to the neutral position meaning the rear wheels are straight, or are you stuck driving in circles? Am I just paranoid for no reason about these?

Thanks.

Bill

bigtiller · Feb 13, 2014

It is simple. The back wheels have a tie-rod similar to the front wheels, with a linkage bar running between them.

Gittyup · Feb 13, 2014

My 425 is 19+ years old. I've never had a problem with the AWS. In fact, I wouldn't be without it. I was plowing sideways today. Couldn't do that with the 2WS.

Grunt0311 · Feb 13, 2014

Gittyup said:
My 425 is 19+ years old. I've never had a problem with the AWS. In fact, I wouldn't be without it. I was plowing sideways today. Couldn't do that with the 2WS.

I heard you had a snow storm. How much did you guys end up getting?

Gittyup · Feb 14, 2014

Grunt0311 said:
I heard you had a snow storm. How much did you guys end up getting?

We got 18" yesterday and 3 or 4" more last night. I haven't been out yet to confirm just how much more we got over night.

sparc · Feb 15, 2014

I've had my x534 since SPring of 2010 and had no problems with the AWS or anything else.
I like it for the tight turning radius. One thing I have noticed is that when dragging a trailer
that if you take a corner tight the trailer tounge can hit the inside rear tire. I never had this
happen with the same trailer and my old 2ws lawn tractor. Not a big problem just have to
be careful not to go full left or right.