rear wheel not good at swiveling

Ginormous · May 22, 2011

I bought a 4' bush hog and the rear wheel doesn't swivel really well. If I lift up the mower, I can spiun the wheel around on its spindle, but if I am pulling the mower with the tractor (wheel in contact with the ground) it tends to get stuck heading a certain direction -- it reminds me of taking a big dog for a walk that has its own idea about which way to go.

I filled it up with grease as soon as I got it. Attached pictures show the whole wheel assembly and then a close up of the wheel spindle. Any other ideas about how to improve the swiveling?

leonz · May 22, 2011

If you own a welder you could replace the stub
that is worn out with a new piece of bar stock
or have a welding shop do it for you as the pivot
wheel new would cost just as much most likely.

You also may find a replacement for it at any
farm equipment dealer as well as it is mowing
season where it is not under water. :thumbsup:

kebo · May 22, 2011

I can't really tell from either picture, but the forks on the tailwheel assy aren't bent are they?? If they are bent, and the wheel is not vertical, that could cause it to try and steer off in a different direction.

Also, what about the axle (bolt) for the wheel itself, is it off of being true horizontal? If so, that might cause it to wander too. It looks like possibly someone has drilled new holes for the bolt (there is another hole just above the existing bolt) that the wheel rolls on. If the axle for the wheel is not horizontal, that might be part of your problem.

But, as Leon said, the spindle itself might be so worn that it needs replacing. Does it have a lot of slop in it if you grab the wheel and shake it side to side? That will tell the tale.

Snaker · May 23, 2011

That setup will start binding up with a very small amout of wear. You might try:
1. Get a washer similar to the top one and put it under the housing all greased up. That will kind of double the bearing surface.
2. Rebuild the shaft and housing for a like new fitness.
3. Weld on brackets and move the axle about 2" back (make sure that the tire clears the deck when backing up). That will increase the trail.
4. Cut the rear section and incorporate a rake angle (keep in mind that the rear of deck will be lower unless compensated for). Look at the newer mowers to compare.

Ginormous · May 23, 2011

I took it apart last night. I sanded the spindle, the inside of the tube and also the bearing surfaces. I just tried it out, and it is now pretty darn good. It's not perfect, but close enough for this gov't worker. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the input, guys.

SandburRanch · May 23, 2011

If it begins to cause trouble again consider extending the wheel to the rear a couple of inches for more offset. I think you'll see a world of difference in how it operates.

kevinj · May 23, 2011

Looks to me like the spindle is bent.

eastexan · May 23, 2011

Ginormous said:
I took it apart last night. I sanded the spindle, the inside of the tube and also the bearing surfaces. I just tried it out, and it is now pretty darn good. It's not perfect, but close enough for this gov't worker. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the input, guys.

Ginormous, the bearing surfaces is where your problem is.
It needs a washer between the bearing surfaces.

Simple fix:
Take that washer that's on top, grease it up, and put it at the bottom, between the bearing surfaces. That will fix it.

Ginormous · May 23, 2011

Eastexan -- I'll give that a try.

Kevinj -- nope, spindle is straight; must be just how the camera took the picture.

djradz · May 24, 2011

Is there anything you could do to the main support/strut to get the top of the caster to lean more toward the front of the deck?

Also, I've found over the years that smooth (and hard) tires don't travel near as well as those with lugs, treads, etc. Often, the smooth surface just seems to slide along, even sideways. On a RFM, I wouldn't have concerns about changing to inflatable tires with traction, but on a rotary cutter/brush hog, probably much less so. Regardless, you might want to see if there is another tire that would have better traction and be more apt to flip around to whatever direction you are going.