Cub Cadet Understeer?

[Mike5252]

While mowing today I noticed something new and I'm not sure how to remedy. I only have 40 hrs on my 5252, so not even broken in yet.

When turning the steering wheel the tractor had classic understeer - when steering the tractor would "push" as opposed to turning.

Has anyone else seen this?

Tire inflation is per specs. From a quick visual inspection the toe in and allignment appear reasonable. Entire front end has been greased per specs within last 10 hours.

I do have the turf tires - its almost like the front tires aren't getting enough traction in the grass to keep turning.

Has anyone been able to find an R4 tire that fits the 5000 series tractors? I don't believe Cub offers one.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Hard]

Mike, I had the bar tires on my 5234D, you might want to try those up front. They do not tear up the lawn, at least in my case they didn't and they are fantastic in the snow. Also, I had the weight bracket on the front ($89.99 from Cub) with 4 to 8 suitcase weights mounted to it (8 when plowing snow)and I never had an issue with understeer when in 2 wheel drive. I also had the weight advantge of the heavier front axle for the 4 wheel drive.

 

[Mike5252]

I believe I have this front weight bracket. Do you know if I would need CC weights or are they standardized such that any brand suitcase weights would work?

Thanks

 

[Hard]

I believe I have this front weight bracket. Do you know if I would need CC weights or are they standardized such that any brand suitcase weights would work?

Thanks

Not absolutely sure if any brand would work, but I did see some JD suitcase weights and they looked very similar to my Cub weights. Regarding the weight bracket, you'll know for sure if you have it. It's quite heavy duty and mounts to the the frame in the front with 4 large bolts. Can carry up to 8 suitcase weights. Even if you don't put weights on it, it makes a great front bumper. The model # is 590-821-10?. I don't know what the last number is because it is scrapped off.

 

[TractorLarry]

Does this tractor have a Differential Lock?

If so, if it is stuck you will see this problem.

In the old days, I drove many a Ford 3000 "off the path" by forgetting to release the diff lock

-Larry

While mowing today I noticed something new and I'm not sure how to remedy. I only have 40 hrs on my 5252, so not even broken in yet.

When turning the steering wheel the tractor had classic understeer - when steering the tractor would "push" as opposed to turning.

Has anyone else seen this?

Tire inflation is per specs. From a quick visual inspection the toe in and allignment appear reasonable. Entire front end has been greased per specs within last 10 hours.

I do have the turf tires - its almost like the front tires aren't getting enough traction in the grass to keep turning.

Has anyone been able to find an R4 tire that fits the 5000 series tractors? I don't believe Cub offers one.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Mike5252]

That's a very interesting comment about the differential lock, I do have Diff lock. I'll check into that.

I briefly experienced this same problem earlier in the year and then it was fine again.

That would certainly explain why this just happens once in a while.

 

[TractorLarry]

I drove a Ford 3000 with a several-Ton full Silage Wagon on the back clear into a 20 foot deep culvert once because of this

It catches you by suprise real quick!

-Larry

That's a very interesting comment about the differential lock, I do have Diff lock. I'll check into that.

I briefly experienced this same problem earlier in the year and then it was fine again.

That would certainly explain why this just happens once in a while.

 

[Hard]

Mike, did you ever correct you understeer problem?

 

[ducati996]

Well if I had to give a big knock on Cub across the board its the cheap and cheasy tires they pump out with the machine. 2 ply turf pro made by carlisle are as good as bicycle tires to me. They have no gripping thread on them and are really prone to having flats. Me personally I would dump them faster than a girl with buck teeth -unless you have a fondness to that

 

[Hard]

Well if I had to give a big knock on Cub across the board its the cheap and cheasy tires they pump out with the machine. 2 ply turf pro made by carlisle are as good as bicycle tires to me. They have no gripping thread on them and are really prone to having flats. Me personally I would dump them faster than a girl with buck teeth -unless you have a fondness to that

I agree with that. They look like balloons.

 

[Mike5252]

I appreciate all the insights.

I believe TractorLarry was right - the rear differential was locked. I lubricated the diff-lock linkage (at least the portion I can see) and haven't seen the problem since. Hopefully the problem is/was either something in the linkage or my inadvertantly resting my foot on the diff-lock pedal. I'll keep everyone posted.

I also echo your comments on the cub cadet tires - they sure don't look as substantial as tires on some of the other sub-cuts. That being said, they kind of look like the LSW or Galaxy style tires you see used on golf courses to minimize the impact on the turf.

 

[ducati996]

I only mentioned the tires as a weakness not just because they are, but the good thing is its inexpensive to fix. The rest of the machine is solid and of course more important

 

[TractorLarry]

I noticed this on my 1864. Rears are fine, but the front look like baloons.

BTW... Should tires be replaced when they are 12 years old, even if they have good tread?

I know car tires have a recommended life of 5 years, regardless of wear.

-Larry

I agree with that. They look like balloons.

 

[TractorLarry]

Cool!

-Larry

I appreciate all the insights.

I believe TractorLarry was right - the rear differential was locked. I lubricated the diff-lock linkage (at least the portion I can see) and haven't seen the problem since. Hopefully the problem is/was either something in the linkage or my inadvertantly resting my foot on the diff-lock pedal. I'll keep everyone posted.

I also echo your comments on the cub cadet tires - they sure don't look as substantial as tires on some of the other sub-cuts. That being said, they kind of look like the LSW or Galaxy style tires you see used on golf courses to minimize the impact on the turf.

 

[ToadHill]

As my wife said to me Too little weight on the front end or too much weight on the backend. Diet time.

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

I noticed this on my 1864. Rears are fine, but the front look like baloons.

BTW... Should tires be replaced when they are 12 years old, even if they have good tread?

I know car tires have a recommended life of 5 years, regardless of wear.

-Larry

I don't know about the 5 year rule but I know they recommend replacing motorhome tires after 7 years. I thought I was smart and ran mine 14 years because they had only minor cracks and good tread. The right rear inside dual blew out on a western trip but caused no damage. I purchased a new tire but the next day the RR outside dual threw all the tread, taking with it my shower drain trap, the mud flap, and half the aluminum floor under the shower. I suddenly got smart and bought 5 more new tires. OTOH I traded in my 1978 Cub 1450 after 28 years and it still had the original tires with 1100 hours on the meter. I figured a flat wouldn't be a big deal.

Bob B.