Mowing ZD331 Front Wheel Failures

MarkDEF · Sep 6, 2012

HI
I have a fleet of ZD331s and I'm having a reoccuring problem with the centre hub of the front caster wheel failing with the hub being ripped out.

This has happened to various unit with different operators with no obvious negligence so I was wondering if anyone else is having similar problems.

milkman · Sep 6, 2012

How much do they run at top speed? I was on my ZD21 about a quarter of a mile from the house when it started to rain, I ran to the house as fast as it would go, and every little bump or rock would set the caster wheels to oscillating back and forth, so violently that it shook the whole machine. As soon as I would slow just a bit, the oscillation would stop and I could go full speed again till I hit another bump. I can see how that violent shaking could rip out the center of the wheel. I did get back to the house before I got wet.

Edit:
I just remembered that the bearings in the front spindles can be tightened, maybe mine needs to have some slack taken out. I'll take the cap off and check for play.