Vibrations on my ZT34

[slipado4993]

Hi folks, new guy on the block. I really enjoy forums for just about anything I own. Okay to the point, I just purchased a 2018 Gravley ZT34, with a 6000 series Kohler motor. It was somewhat abused, ( oil like mud, belts and blades never changed or sharpened or at least 6 years) after all that abuse the motor is still strong after tune up oil changed bad fuel removed. After cleanup and new blades and belts and a new mulching kit, I am getting a strong vibration from the mower deck, I check pullies and grease fittings, but can't tell where the vibration is coming from, I know there is more troubleshooting I can do but was just wondering if I can get some tips on what to look for from the forum.

 

[Rivets]

The following things are what you need to check, when troubleshooting a vibration.
1. Cracked or worn belt will definitely cause a vibration.
2. Worn or rusted/pitted pulleys are another cause.
3. Tensioner arm not moving freely or bent another cause.
4. Blades which are out of balance.
5. Blades mounted off center.
6. Bad spindle bearings.
7. Debris buildup on deck.
8. Spindle shaft bent, rare but I’ve seen it.
9. Sprung deck.
You may have checked some of these, but when I run into this problem I double check.

 

[hlw49]

Looks like Rivets pretty much covered it might look for something wedged in the pulleys, bent pulleys.

 

[slipado4993]

The following things are what you need to check, when troubleshooting a vibration.
1. Cracked or worn belt will definitely cause a vibration.
2. Worn or rusted/pitted pulleys are another cause.
3. Tensioner arm not moving freely or bent another cause.
4. Blades which are out of balance.
5. Blades mounted off center.
6. Bad spindle bearings.
7. Debris buildup on deck.
8. Spindle shaft bent, rare but I’ve seen it.
9. Sprung deck.
You may have checked some of these, but when I run into this problem I double check.

Thanks so much for getting back. I am in the process of checking some of the above-mentioned points, some I have already eliminated. Have anyone installed the mulch kit that is offer thru the Gravley parts catalog ? I have and I also installed one on a Dixson mower and got the same vibrations.

 

[bullet bob]

I've installed the mulch kit on my ZT 60 but it doesn't contribute anything to a vibration.

 

[hlw49]

I personally do not like mulching kits they clog up under the deck.

 

[Skippydiesel]

Mulch kits = marketing gimmick that uses more hp/fuel to do the same job as the standard/blade deck.

 

[bullet bob]

Mulch kits = marketing gimmick that uses more hp/fuel to do the same job as the standard/blade deck.

Tell my leaves that, as they drift out from the deck, darn near a powder.

 

[Tiger Small Engine]

Tell my leaves that, as they drift out from the deck, darn near a powder.

Mulch kits are great for leaves a few weeks out of the year. Not good for grass the other 30 weeks.

 

[Rivets]

When you have a mulch kit that is properly designed and you know how to use it properly, they do a great job. Yes, you have to learn how to use it!! I’ve have the mulch kit on my 1996 Toro 16-38XL and have neighbors who actually ask to use it because of the way the lawn looks when finished. Only time I don’t like the cut is when I can’t cut dry or grass is too long.